Fucidin cream is a topical antibiotic medicine containing fusidic acid 2%, used to treat minor bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, infected eczema, folliculitis, and small wounds colonized by susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. It works by blocking bacterial protein synthesis, helping clear infection and calm redness, pain, and crusting. Applied as a thin layer two to three times daily for a short course, it is generally well tolerated when used as directed. Fucidin is not effective against fungi, viruses, or acne; accurate diagnosis matters. Always follow local medical guidance to minimize resistance and protect skin health, and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
Fucidin cream is a prescription-strength topical antibiotic formulated with fusidic acid 2%, a molecule that selectively inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. It is particularly active against Gram-positive organisms, notably Staphylococcus aureus, including many methicillin-sensitive strains. In clinical practice, Fucidin cream is used for superficial, localized bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, infected eczema and dermatitis, folliculitis, minor cuts and abrasions that have become colonized, and small surgical or traumatic wounds showing early signs of bacterial involvement.
By reducing bacterial load at the skin’s surface, Fucidin can help settle redness, tenderness, oozing, and crust formation while your skin barrier heals. It is not effective for fungal infections (e.g., tinea), viral rashes (e.g., cold sores, shingles), or primary acne, and it should not be used on deep, spreading, or systemic infections. When in doubt, obtain a proper diagnosis to ensure a topical antibiotic is truly indicated, which supports good antimicrobial stewardship and reduces the risk of resistance.
Unless your clinician advises otherwise, cleanse the affected skin gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, then pat dry. Apply a thin film of Fucidin cream to the infected area two to three times daily, typically for 5–7 days. Some cases may need up to 10–14 days, but prolonged courses should be avoided to minimize resistance. Use only the smallest amount that covers the lesion; more product does not work faster and can increase irritation.
Wash hands before and after application, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, and do not apply inside the nose unless specifically instructed. If dressing the area, use a light, breathable covering and avoid occlusive dressings unless directed by a clinician, as occlusion can increase absorption and maceration. For children, the same thin-layer technique is used, but apply to the smallest feasible area. If there is no improvement within 3–5 days or if symptoms worsen (spreading redness, fever, increasing pain), seek medical evaluation promptly.
Use Fucidin cream only for suspected or confirmed bacterial skin infections caused by organisms likely to be susceptible to fusidic acid. Avoid routine or preventive use on uninfected cuts or dermatitis, as unnecessary antibiotics promote resistance and can disturb the skin microbiome. Do not use on large body surface areas, severe burns, or under tight occlusive dressings unless specifically instructed, because these situations may increase systemic absorption and skin irritation. Keep the tip of the tube clean; avoid touching the lesion with the nozzle to reduce contamination.
In pregnancy and breastfeeding, limited systemic absorption from topical use suggests a low risk when used as directed; still, consult a clinician if treating larger areas or prolonged courses. If breastfeeding, avoid application on or near the nipple; if required, clean the area thoroughly before feeds. Stop use and seek care if you develop signs of allergy (worsening redness, hives, swelling), severe irritation, or if symptoms persist beyond a week. Do not use to treat viral lesions (e.g., cold sores) or primarily fungal rashes; ask about correct therapy instead.
Do not use Fucidin cream if you have a known hypersensitivity to fusidic acid (or sodium fusidate) or any component of the cream base (examples may include cetyl or stearyl alcohols). Avoid application to the eyes, inside the nose, mouth, or on deep puncture wounds. This product is not indicated for acne, rosacea, viral or fungal skin disease, or for primary surgical prophylaxis. Individuals with recurrent skin infections should seek clinical assessment to rule out resistant organisms, alternative diagnoses, or underlying conditions (e.g., eczema flares, diabetes-related skin issues) that may require different treatment strategies.
Most people tolerate fusidic acid cream well during short courses. The most common side effects are mild and localized: transient stinging, itching, burning, dryness, or redness at the application site. Some patients can experience contact dermatitis or eczema-like irritation due to either the active ingredient or excipients in the cream base. If irritation is persistent or worsening, stop use and consult a clinician; switching to a different formulation or agent may be appropriate.
Less commonly, rash, urticaria (hives), or swelling can indicate a hypersensitivity reaction. Prolonged or inappropriate use of topical antibiotics can lead to decreased effectiveness over time and may allow overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including yeasts. Systemic side effects are unlikely with standard topical use because absorption is minimal; however, applying to large areas, broken skin, or under occlusion can increase exposure. Seek urgent care for signs of severe allergy such as facial swelling, trouble breathing, or widespread hives. Report any unexpected or severe reactions to your pharmacist or provider.
Clinically significant drug interactions are uncommon with Fucidin cream due to minimal systemic absorption when used appropriately. Nevertheless, take care when layering multiple topical products on the same area. Combining with other potentially irritating agents—such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid, or strong corticosteroids—may increase dryness or inflammation. If you are using other prescribed topicals, apply them at different times of day, or as directed, to reduce cumulative irritation. Systemic drug interactions (for example with statins) are primarily a concern with oral fusidic acid, not topical use, but caution is prudent if very large areas are treated or occlusion is used. Discuss your regimen with a pharmacist if unsure.
If you forget an application, apply Fucidin cream as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled application, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not apply extra amounts to “catch up,” as this increases the risk of irritation without improving effectiveness. Consistency, rather than frequency beyond the recommended schedule, drives results.
Accidental over-application on the skin is unlikely to cause serious problems, but it may increase local irritation or dermatitis. If Fucidin cream is accidentally swallowed, mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) can occur; drink water and seek medical advice, especially for children. For eye exposure, rinse with room-temperature water or saline for several minutes and seek care if irritation persists. For any significant ingestion or concerning symptoms, contact your local poison control center or emergency services promptly for tailored guidance.
Store at room temperature (generally 20–25°C/68–77°F), away from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep the cap tightly closed and the tube opening clean to prevent contamination. Do not use past the expiry date indicated on the packaging; when in doubt, ask your pharmacist about in-use shelf life after opening. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not share your tube with others, as sharing can spread infection and is not hygienic.
Access to fusidic acid topical products can vary by country and jurisdiction. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Fucidin cream without a formal prescription through a compliant process that includes pharmacist oversight and an evidence-based screening questionnaire. This streamlined pathway helps determine suitability, flags red-flag symptoms that warrant in-person care, and ensures products are sourced from reputable, licensed suppliers. Where required by state law, orders are supported by telehealth evaluation or partner prescriber review.
To buy Fucidin cream without prescription in the United States through HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas, you complete a brief clinical intake, receive guidance on appropriate use, dosing, and precautions, and benefit from discreet shipping with transparent pricing. Availability may vary by state, and age or health restrictions can apply. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas prioritizes antimicrobial stewardship: short courses, correct indications, and prompt referral if symptoms fail to improve. If you are unsure whether your skin condition is suitable for a topical antibiotic, their team can help you decide the safest next step before you order.
Fucidin cream is a topical antibiotic containing fusidic acid used to treat bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, infected eczema, and minor wounds infected by Staphylococcus aureus and some streptococci.
It treats localized superficial bacterial infections including impetigo, infected dermatitis/eczema, minor cuts or abrasions with signs of bacterial infection, and some folliculitis; it does not treat fungal, viral, or purely inflammatory rashes.
Fusidic acid inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by targeting elongation factor G, stopping susceptible bacteria from growing and allowing the immune system and skin barrier to clear the infection.
Clean and gently dry the area, apply a thin film to the affected skin only, avoid healthy surrounding skin, wash hands after, and use exactly as prescribed, avoiding occlusive dressings unless directed.
Typical regimens are 2–3 times daily for about 5–10 days; do not exceed the prescribed duration, and seek medical review if there is no clear improvement after 3–5 days.
It can be used on the face if prescribed, but avoid eyelids and the eye; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly and seek advice if irritation persists.
Yes, it is commonly used in pediatrics for conditions like impetigo, but dosing frequency and duration should be set by a clinician, especially in infants.
Topical fusidic acid has minimal systemic absorption and is generally considered low risk when used as directed; during breastfeeding avoid application on the nipple/areola or wash off before feeds.
Mild stinging, burning, itching, redness, or dryness at the application site; less commonly contact dermatitis or rash; stop and seek care if severe irritation, swelling, or widespread rash occurs.
Allergy is uncommon but possible; signs include sudden worsening redness, hives, swelling, or blistering at or beyond the application site—stop use and get medical advice immediately.
Yes, often they are combined in care plans for infected eczema; typically apply Fucidin first to clean skin, wait a few minutes, then moisturizers or prescribed steroids unless your clinician advises otherwise.
No; it targets certain bacteria, not acne’s mixed pathophysiology, fungi (like athlete’s foot), or viruses (like cold sores); using it for non-bacterial conditions can delay proper treatment and promote resistance.
Yes; it is commonly used for localized impetigo and secondary bacterial infection in eczema when limited in extent; extensive disease may require oral antibiotics—follow clinical guidance.
Stop self-treatment and seek medical review; you may need culture, a different antibiotic, evaluation for MRSA, or treatment for a non-bacterial cause.
In many regions it is prescription-only; store at room temperature away from heat and light, and discard after the labeled expiry or as advised once opened.
Yes; resistance, especially in Staphylococcus aureus, can develop with overuse or prolonged courses; use only when indicated and for the shortest effective duration.
Apply it when you remember unless it’s close to the next dose; do not double-apply to catch up.
Use only light, breathable dressings if needed; avoid airtight occlusion unless your clinician specifically recommends it.
No; Fucidin H combines fusidic acid with hydrocortisone, and Fucibet combines fusidic acid with betamethasone; these add anti-inflammatory steroids and should be used only when clearly indicated.
Some MRSA strains are resistant to fusidic acid; effectiveness is variable and culture-guided therapy is preferred—your clinician will choose the most appropriate agent.
The cream is water-based and less greasy, suitable for moist or weepy lesions and skin folds; the ointment is oil-based, better for dry, cracked areas and enhanced penetration, with similar antibiotic activity.
Use plain Fucidin for simple bacterial infection; Fucidin H adds hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation in infected eczema but carries steroid risks like skin thinning if misused—clinician guidance is essential.
Fucibet contains a stronger steroid (betamethasone) with fusidic acid for markedly inflamed, infected dermatitis; it can work quickly but has higher steroid side-effect risks and should be short-term under supervision.
Both are first-line for localized impetigo; choice depends on local resistance patterns, site, and patient factors—mupirocin is also used for nasal decolonization, whereas fusidic acid is often used on skin lesions.
Both are topical antibiotics for impetigo; retapamulin is typically twice daily for 5 days and has low resistance in some areas, while fusidic acid is 2–3 times daily for 5–10 days—availability and local guidance drive choice.
Ozenoxacin is a newer non-fluorinated quinolone used twice daily for 5 days with activity against some resistant strains; fusidic acid remains widely used but may face higher resistance in certain regions.
Both cover S. aureus; mupirocin may retain activity where fusidic acid resistance is common; culture results and local antibiograms help determine the better option.
Fusidic acid targets staph well and often causes less sensitization; neomycin-containing products carry higher risk of allergic contact dermatitis; efficacy depends on the pathogen.
Topical clindamycin is primarily for acne and not preferred for primary impetigo; fusidic acid is for superficial bacterial skin infections, not acne—use each for its intended indication.
Fusidic acid is favored for suspected staph; gentamicin covers some gram-negative organisms but resistance and sensitization can limit use; culture and clinical context guide selection.
Erythromycin topical faces high resistance in skin pathogens; fusidic acid often has better activity against staph in many areas, but resistance patterns vary by region.
No; metronidazole gel is mainly for rosacea and certain anaerobic infections, not typical impetigo; fusidic acid is for superficial bacterial infections caused by staph/streptococci.
Use topical therapy for small, localized lesions; switch to or add oral antibiotics if lesions are widespread, systemic symptoms are present, or there is poor response to topical treatment after a few days.