Understanding Fucidin and Its Active Ingredient
Fucidin cream is a prescription-only topical antibiotic medication. Its active ingredient is fusidic acid, which is derived from the fungus Fusidium coccineum. This antibiotic is highly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococci, including strains that may be resistant to other antibiotics. Fucidin is available in different forms, including a cream and an ointment. The cream is a white, non-greasy preparation, while the ointment is more translucent and greasy, making it suitable for different skin conditions and areas.
How Does Fucidin Work?
The antibacterial action of fusidic acid comes from its ability to inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria. It interferes with a process involving a substance called elongation factor G (EF-G) on the bacterial ribosomes. This action effectively stalls the bacteria's ability to produce essential proteins needed for growth and multiplication, ultimately stopping the infection and allowing the body's immune system to clear the remaining bacteria. This mechanism is bacteriostatic, meaning it stops bacteria from dividing, but it can be bactericidal (killing bacteria) at high concentrations.
Primary Medical Uses for Fucidin Cream
Fucidin cream is prescribed for a range of localized, bacterial skin infections. It is crucial to use it only for bacterial issues, as it is ineffective against viral or fungal infections.
Common Infections Treated by Fucidin:
- Impetigo: A highly contagious skin infection, common in children, that causes red sores or blisters which burst and leave behind golden-brown crusts. Fucidin is an effective treatment for the bacterial cause of impetigo.
- Infected Eczema and Dermatitis: When the skin barrier is broken by conditions like atopic eczema, it can become infected by bacteria. Fucidin treats this secondary infection, relieving symptoms like increased redness, weeping, and crusting.
- Folliculitis: This is the inflammation and infection of hair follicles, which can appear as small, red bumps or pimples. Fucidin can be used to treat the bacterial infection causing the inflammation.
- Infected Wounds, Cuts, and Burns: Fucidin can be applied to minor cuts, grazes, or burns to treat or prevent bacterial infection.
- Paronychia: An infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail.
- Boils and Abscesses: Fucidin can be beneficial for treating boils, which are painful, pus-filled lumps resulting from a bacterial infection in a hair follicle.
It is important to note that Fucidin cream is generally not recommended for acne, as acne is a more complex condition involving blocked pores and inflammation, not just a simple bacterial infection. It is also not used for viral infections like cold sores or fungal infections like athlete's foot.
Fucidin vs. Fucidin H: A Comparison
It's easy to confuse Fucidin cream with Fucidin H cream, but they have a key difference. Both contain the antibiotic fusidic acid, but Fucidin H also includes a corticosteroid called hydrocortisone.
| Feature | Fucidin Cream | Fucidin H Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Fusidic Acid | Fusidic Acid & Hydrocortisone |
| Primary Function | Antibiotic (treats bacterial infection) | Antibiotic + Anti-inflammatory (treats infection and reduces swelling, redness, and itching) |
| Best For | Mild bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo or infected cuts. | Inflamed and infected skin conditions like infected eczema, where both bacteria and inflammation are present. |
| Potency | Standard antibiotic action. | Stronger, as the hydrocortisone provides anti-inflammatory relief. |
Proper Application and Potential Side Effects
For effective treatment, Fucidin cream should be applied as directed by a healthcare professional. Typically, a thin layer is applied to the clean, dry, affected area. Hands should be washed before and after application, unless the hands are the area being treated. The usual course of treatment is between seven and fourteen days.
While generally well-tolerated, Fucidin can have side effects. Uncommon side effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 people) can include:
- Skin irritation at the application site (pain, burning, stinging)
- Itching
- Rash
- Eczema
Rarely, a serious allergic reaction can occur, with symptoms like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, which requires urgent medical attention. Prolonged or recurrent use may increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance, where the medication becomes less effective in the future.
Conclusion
So, what is Fucidin cream used for? It is a targeted topical antibiotic for a variety of bacterial skin infections, from impetigo and folliculitis to infected eczema and wounds. Its active ingredient, fusidic acid, works by halting the growth of harmful bacteria. While highly effective for its intended purpose, it is not a cure-all for every skin issue and should be used only as prescribed by a doctor to ensure efficacy and minimize risks like side effects and antibiotic resistance. For infected conditions that are also significantly inflamed, the combination product Fucidin H may be recommended instead.
For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit the NHS page on Fusidic Acid.
