Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream 15g

Description

Daktacort Cream combines a mild steroid (hydrocortisone acetate 1%) with an antifungal (miconazole nitrate 2%) to calm inflammation and treat the fungus behind inflamed sweat rash and athlete's foot, supplied in a 15g tube by Ways Pharmacy (UK).

Key facts

Active ingredients	Hydrocortisone acetate 1% (mild steroid) and miconazole nitrate 2% (antifungal)
Type	Combined steroid and antifungal cream (a pharmacy medicine)
Format	Cream, 15g tube
Treats	Inflamed fungal skin infections — sweat rash (intertrigo) and athlete's foot with redness and itching
How it works	The steroid reduces inflammation and itching while the antifungal clears the fungus
Dosing	Apply a thin layer twice daily; do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice
Where not to use	Not on the face, eyes, broken or untreated infected skin without advice
Sold by	Ways Pharmacy, UK (GPhC-registered)

Who it is for

People with a red, itchy, inflamed fungal sweat rash in skin folds, the groin or under the breasts
People with athlete's foot where the skin is sore and inflamed as well as fungal
People who need both the anti-inflammatory and antifungal action in one cream for a short course

Not suitable for: use on the face, around the eyes or on broken skin without advice; cold sores, acne or untreated bacterial or viral infections; and long-term use, because the steroid can thin the skin. Ask your pharmacist before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and seek advice for young children.

How to use

Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly, including between the toes if treating athlete's foot.
Apply a thin layer of cream twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Wash your hands after applying, unless your hands are being treated.
Do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice; if the rash has not improved, seek advice.
For external use only. Avoid the eyes and mouth.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Daktacort take to work?

The hydrocortisone usually eases redness and itching within a couple of days, while the miconazole works on the fungus over a longer period. Do not use Daktacort for more than 7 days without medical advice; if the rash persists, see your pharmacist or doctor.

Can I use Daktacort on my face?

Do not use it on the face or around the eyes without medical advice, as it contains a steroid and facial skin is more sensitive. Ask your pharmacist if you have a facial rash that needs treatment.

What is the difference between Daktacort and plain Daktarin?

Plain Daktarin contains only the antifungal miconazole. Daktacort adds the mild steroid hydrocortisone, so it also calms inflammation and itching. It is useful when a fungal rash is red and sore, but it should only be used for short courses.

Can I use Daktacort in pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your pharmacist or doctor before using it, so they can confirm it is suitable for your situation.

Why is there a 7-day limit?

Because Daktacort contains a steroid, prolonged use can thin the skin and may mask a worsening infection. If the rash needs more than a week of treatment, see your pharmacist or doctor.

Safety and storage

This cream contains a topical steroid — do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice.
Do not use on the face, eyes, broken skin or untreated bacterial or viral infections without advice.
Stop and seek advice if the rash worsens, becomes infected, or does not improve.
Report any suspected side effect via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Store as directed on the pack and keep out of the sight and reach of children.

References

This page provides factual information about a combined steroid and antifungal cream (pharmacy medicine) and is not a substitute for medical advice. Use short courses only and avoid the face without advice. Report suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.