What is Foban Cream?
Foban Cream is a topical antibacterial medication that contains the active ingredient fusidic acid, typically at a 2% concentration. This antibiotic is effective against many types of Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp., including those resistant to penicillin. By disrupting the bacteria's ability to produce essential proteins, fusidic acid stops their growth and allows the body's immune system to clear the infection. Because it is a prescription-only medicine, it should only be used under a doctor's supervision to ensure appropriate and effective treatment.
The Role of Fusidic Acid
Fusidic acid is unique because of its excellent ability to penetrate intact skin, making it highly effective for superficial skin infections. However, it is crucial to use it only as directed by a healthcare provider, as misuse or overuse of topical antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance.
Primary Uses of Foban Cream
Foban Cream is indicated for the treatment of a range of primary and secondary bacterial skin infections. These include, but are not limited to:
- Impetigo: A common and contagious skin infection that causes blisters or red sores.
- Infected Eczema or Dermatitis: Eczema (a type of dermatitis) is a skin condition characterized by inflammation and itching. Foban is used when these areas become secondarily infected with bacteria.
- Infected Wounds: This includes infected cuts, abrasions, and other open wounds.
- Folliculitis: An infection of the hair follicles.
- Sycosis Barbae: A type of folliculitis affecting the beard area.
- Paronychia: An infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail.
- Erythrasma: A bacterial skin infection that causes a reddish-brown rash.
It is important to note that Foban Cream is not effective against viral, fungal, or non-bacterial skin infections and should not be used for these conditions.
How to Properly Use Foban Cream
Proper application of Foban Cream is essential for its effectiveness and to prevent complications.
- Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you begin. Clean and dry the affected skin area with a clean towel.
- Application: Apply a thin, even layer of the cream directly to the infected area. Gently rub it in until it is absorbed.
- Dosage: Apply the cream two to three times a day, or as directed by your doctor. For lesions that will be covered with a bandage, a less frequent application may be sufficient.
- Duration: The treatment course is typically around seven days, but can be longer for certain conditions like acne. It is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to minimize the risk of developing resistant bacteria.
- Post-Application Care: Wash your hands again after applying the cream to avoid spreading the infection.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Like all medications, Foban Cream can cause side effects, though it is generally well-tolerated.
- Common side effects include mild stinging, itching, irritation, and redness at the application site.
- Rare, but serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions such as a rash, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any signs of a serious allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
Precautions:
- Do not apply Foban Cream to the eyes or near them, as it may cause conjunctival irritation.
- It should not be used on viral (e.g., herpes, chickenpox) or fungal infections.
- Use with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and only under a doctor's advice.
- Long-term use can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and contact sensitization.
Foban Cream vs. Other Topical Treatments
When considering topical treatments, it is important to understand how Foban compares to other options. Sometimes, a combination product is prescribed.
| Feature | Foban Cream (Fusidic Acid) | Fobancort Cream (Fusidic Acid + Betamethasone) | Mupirocin (Bactroban) Ointment | Other Topical Antibiotics (e.g., Neomycin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient(s) | Fusidic Acid (Antibiotic) | Fusidic Acid (Antibiotic) and Betamethasone (Corticosteroid) | Mupirocin (Antibiotic) | Varies (e.g., Neomycin, Polymyxin) |
| Primary Function | Treat bacterial infections. | Treat bacterial infections with inflammation. | Treat bacterial infections, sometimes more effective against certain strains. | Treat bacterial infections. |
| Conditions Treated | Impetigo, infected eczema, folliculitis, etc.. | Conditions with both bacterial infection and significant inflammation, like infected eczema. | Impetigo and other skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria. | Minor skin infections. |
| Inflammation Control | No direct anti-inflammatory effect. | Contains a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and itching. | No direct anti-inflammatory effect. | Varies by formulation. |
| Resistance Risk | Associated with low resistance rates when used appropriately. | Potential for resistance with overuse; corticosteroid can mask symptoms. | Resistance rates have generally remained low. | Higher risk of contact sensitization and treatment failure for some formulations. |
Conclusion
Foban Cream is a valuable topical antibiotic for treating a variety of bacterial skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Its active ingredient, fusidic acid, effectively stops bacterial growth and is well-tolerated by most people. It is crucial to follow a healthcare provider's instructions for application and duration to ensure the infection is properly treated and to prevent antibiotic resistance. For cases where inflammation is also a concern, a doctor may prescribe a combined product like Fobancort. Always consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to achieve the best outcome. For additional information on topical antibiotics, consider sources like the National Institutes of Health.
