Description
How it works
Fucidin H contains two active ingredients that work together:
- Fusidic acid (2%) – an antibiotic
- Targets bacteria on the skin, especially Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of infected eczema.
- Blocks bacterial protein production, so the germs cannot grow or multiply and the infection starts to clear.
- Hydrocortisone acetate (1%) – a mild corticosteroid (steroid)
- Reduces inflammation, redness, swelling and itching.
- Calms the skin’s overactive immune response so the area becomes less sore and irritated, which also helps you scratch less and promotes healing.
Together they:
- Treat the bacterial infection
- Rapidly reduce redness, swelling, and itching
- Help the skin to heal and feel more comfortable
Because the steroid is mild (hydrocortisone), Fucidin H is generally used for mild-to-moderately inflamed infected eczema rather than the very severe flares where a stronger steroid (like Fucibet with betamethasone) might be needed.
Who it may be suitable for
Fucidin H cream is intended for adults and children (usually over 1 year) with inflamed and infected skin conditions, in particular:
- Infected eczema (atopic dermatitis) – especially if:
- The skin is red, weepy or crusted
- The area has suddenly worsened or looks yellow/crusty, suggesting bacterial infection
- Infected contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic)
- Other eczema/dermatitis patches where a doctor or prescriber believes bacteria are also involved
It may be a good option if:
- You have eczema or dermatitis already diagnosed by a clinician
- The area is clearly inflamed and suspected to be infected
- A clinician thinks a mild steroid plus antibiotic is enough, rather than a more potent steroid-antibiotic combination
On 24 HR Pharmacy, Fucidin H is listed under Eczema → Prescription Only Medicines → Skin Health, and it’s specifically described as “a mild steroid combined with an antibiotic” for infected, inflamed skin.
You’ll complete an online eczema consultation so a UK prescriber can check that:
- A bacterial infection is likely, and
- Fucidin H is safe and appropriate for your situation.
Who it may not be suitable for
Do not use Fucidin H:
- If you are allergic to fusidic acid, hydrocortisone acetate, or any of the ingredients (e.g. cetyl alcohol, butylhydroxyanisole, paraffin).
- On children under 1 year unless specifically advised by a specialist.
- If your skin problem is not infected – this is not a general eczema moisturiser.
- On:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Perioral dermatitis (red rash around the mouth)
- Purely fungal infections (ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush)
- Viral infections like cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, warts
- Skin symptoms linked to tuberculosis or syphilis
- Boils or isolated bacterial spots that need different treatment
Use only with medical advice if:
- You need to treat large body areas
- You have very thin or delicate skin, especially on the face, genital area or skin folds
- You have psoriasis, diabetes, circulation issues or a weakened immune system
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Leaflet-style guidance and online pharmacy sources advise:
- Pregnancy: Use only if your doctor believes the benefits outweigh any possible risk, and then in small amounts on limited areas for the shortest possible time.
- Breastfeeding: Can sometimes be used on small areas, but never apply to the breasts, and always follow medical advice.
Side Effects
Common side effects
Side effects as:
- Burning
- Itching
- Stinging
These are usually signs of a mild application site reaction and often settle as treatment continues.
From the patient leaflet and other UK sources, the most common side effects are:
Common local reactions:
- Burning or stinging at the site of application
- Itching or irritation
- Redness or dryness
- Worsening of eczema or flare-up in some people
- Rash in the treated area
Stop using the cream and contact a doctor or pharmacist if these:
- Are severe,
- Do not improve, or
- Seem to get worse the longer you use the cream.
With longer or inappropriate use (steroid-related effects):
- Skin thinning (atrophy) or easy bruising
- Stretch marks (striae)
- Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia)
- Changes in skin colour (lightening or darkening)
- Excess fine hair growth in the treated area
- Acne-like eruptions or steroid-induced rashes, especially on the face
These problems are most likely if Fucidin H is:
- Used on large areas
- Used for longer than 2 weeks
- Used under occlusion (tight bandages, nappies, cling film)
- Used repeatedly without breaks, especially in children
Systemic steroid effects (rare):
With prolonged use on large areas, especially in children, a small amount of hydrocortisone can be absorbed and may rarely cause systemic steroid side effects, such as:
- Features of Cushing’s syndrome (e.g. weight gain, rounder face)
- Slower growth in children
- Eye problems (blurred vision, glaucoma, cataracts)
Allergic reactions and serious problems – seek urgent medical help if you:
- Develop severe rash, hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Have difficulty breathing
- Notice severe burning, blistering or oozing where the cream is applied
- See worsening redness, pus or spreading infection despite treatment
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
Key facts:
- Medicine name: Fucidin H Cream
- Active ingredients per 1 g of cream:
- Fusidic acid 20 mg (2%)
- Hydrocortisone acetate 10 mg (1%)
- Type: Combination of topical antibiotic + mild corticosteroid
- Indication (in practice): Short-term treatment of eczema/dermatitis and other eczematous conditions where the skin is inflamed and infected or likely to be infected with fusidic-acid-sensitive bacteria (especially Staph. aureus).
- Typical regimen: Small amount twice daily for up to 2 weeks.
- Age: Can be used in adults, the elderly and children, but children need extra caution and shorter courses.
- Excipients of note:
- Cetyl alcohol & butylhydroxyanisole (E320) – can cause local skin reactions or contact allergy
- Liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin – make the cream greasy; fabrics (clothes, bedding, dressings) in contact with paraffin products can become more flammable, so keep away from naked flames.
- Storage: Do not store above 30°C and discard 3 months after first opening the tube (or by the expiry date, whichever comes first).
- Legal category: Prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
From 24 HR Pharmacy:
- Fucidin H is offered under Eczema → Prescription Only Medicines → Skin Health, price currently £13.99 for 30 g, and:
- Orders approved before 3 pm (Monday–Friday) are usually dispatched the same day.
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before using the cream.
Directions
Always use Fucidin H exactly as your prescriber and the pharmacy label instruct.
From UK pharmacy guidance and clinical monographs:
Usual dose (adults & children)
- Apply a small amount to the affected area
- Twice daily – usually morning and evening
- A single course should usually last up to 1–2 weeks, and not normally more than 2 weeks in total
Your doctor may advise a shorter course in children, often around 5–7 days.
Step-by-step application
- Prepare the skin
- Gently wash the area with water or a mild, soap-free cleanser.
- Pat dry – avoid scrubbing or picking at crusts.
- Apply a thin layer
- Squeeze out a small amount of cream onto a clean fingertip.
- Apply a thin film over the infected, inflamed skin only.
- Gently rub in until it disappears – more cream won’t work better or faster.
- After application
- Wash your hands thoroughly (unless they are the treated area).
- If you also use emollients (moisturisers) for eczema, allow Fucidin H to absorb fully (about 20–30 minutes) before applying them.
- How long to use it
- Use for the full course your prescriber suggests, typically up to 14 days.
- Do not use continuously for longer than 2 weeks without medical review – this reduces the risk of steroid side effects and antibiotic resistance.
Important precautions
- For skin use only – do not swallow or use inside the mouth, eyes or nose.
- Avoid:
- Face, genitals or skin folds unless your doctor specifically tells you to.
- Broken skin, deep wounds or ulcers.
- Do not use under airtight dressings or cling film unless advised by a doctor – this greatly increases absorption and side-effect risk.
- Do not use Fucidin H to prevent infection – it is only for active, likely bacterial infection.
Missed a dose?
If you forget an application:
- Apply Fucidin H as soon as you remember.
- Then use your next dose at the usual time.
- If it’s almost time for the next application, skip the missed one and carry on as normal.
- Do not apply extra cream or “double up” to make up for a missed dose – this doesn’t help and may increase irritation and steroid side effects.
If you keep forgetting doses and your skin isn’t improving, speak to your doctor or prescriber.
FAQs
What is Fucidin H cream used for?
Fucidin H is used to treat eczema or dermatitis that is both inflamed and infected by bacteria. It combines Fusidic acid, an antibiotic that targets the bacteria, and Hydrocortisone, a mild steroid that reduces redness, swelling, and itching. It is not intended for ordinary, non-infected eczema, acne, rosacea, or fungal/viral infections.
How long does Fucidin H take to work?
Many people notice the area looks and feels better within a few days, but the full course is usually up to 1–2 weeks with twice-daily applications. Continuous use beyond 2 weeks is not normally recommended, and if there is no clear improvement after a week or if the area worsens, you should be reviewed by a doctor or prescriber.
Can I use Fucidin H on my face?
You should only use Fucidin H on your face if a doctor or prescriber specifically advises it and usually for a very short time because facial skin is thin and more prone to thinning, visible veins, and steroid-induced rashes. If used on the face, you must avoid the eyes and mouth and follow your prescriber’s instructions exactly, though milder treatments or non-steroid options are preferred for most ongoing facial skin problems.
What’s the difference between Fucidin and Fucidin H?
Both products contain the antibiotic fusidic acid, but Fucidin cream contains only the antibiotic for pure bacterial skin infections, while Fucidin H cream adds hydrocortisone for skin that is both infected and inflamed. Fucidin H is stronger overall due to the added steroid and is usually used for shorter courses.
Is Fucidin H stronger than Fucibet?
No, Fucidin H is milder in steroid terms as it contains hydrocortisone, whereas Fucibet contains betamethasone and is reserved for more severe, inflamed infections. Your 24 HR Pharmacy site lists Fucidin H as a mild steroid combined with an antibiotic, while Fucibet is described as containing a potent steroid.
Can I use moisturisers/other creams with Fucidin H?
Yes, you should usually keep using emollients by applying Fucidin H first in a thin layer and letting it absorb fully for 20–30 minutes before applying your usual moisturiser around and over the area. You should avoid using other steroid or antibiotic creams on the same area unless your prescriber tells you to.
Can I use Fucidin H long term?
No, Fucidin H is intended for short-term use only, typically up to 2 weeks, because long-term or repeated frequent use increases the risk of skin thinning, stretch marks, and antibiotic resistance. For ongoing eczema control, clinicians usually rely on regular emollients and intermittent mild steroid use or other non-steroid treatments if needed.
How do I get Fucidin H from 24 HR Pharmacy?
To get Fucidin H from 24 HR Pharmacy, go to the product page, click Start Eczema Consultation, and complete the secure online questionnaire for a UK-registered prescriber to review; if appropriate, they will issue a private prescription, and orders approved before 3 pm Monday to Friday are usually dispatched the same day.
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