Fucidin H Cream

Fucibet contains two different types of medicine. One medicine is called Fusidic acid. It is a type of antibiotic. The other medicine is called Betamethasone valerate 0.1%. It is a type of corticosteroid (steroid). These two medicines work at the same time in different ways. Fucibet works by the antibiotic killing germs (bacteria) that cause infections, and the corticosteroid reducing any swelling, redness or itchiness of your skin. Fucibet is used to treat conditions where the skin is inflamed (eczema or dermatitis) and infected by germs (bacteria) such as infected eczema, dermatitis or infected minor wounds or minor burns.

Fucibet should not be used to treat fungal or viral infections as it contains an antibiotic which is only active against bacterial infections. Our Specialist Dermatology Pharmacists at DigiDerm will help you decide if it is the most appropriate and safe treatment before prescribing. 

Fucibet should not be used for things like acne, impetigo, boils, cysts, jock itch, ring worm, athletes foot or infected cold sores. It is normally solely reserved for use in treating moderate to severe, infected eczema. 

Fucibet versus Fucidin H

Fucibet contains a potent steroid (Betamethasone 0.1%) compared to the much milder steroid found in Fucidin H (Hydrocortisone 1%). Therefore, we would recommend treatment with Fucibet instead of Fucidin H if the symptoms of inflammation (redness, swelling, irritation) are more severe. They both contain the same antibiotic ingredient (Fusidic acid).

How do I Know if my Eczema is Infected?

During the online consultation our Specialist Dermatology Prescribers will assess your skin and advise you if Fucibet is a safe and appropriate option for treatment, or if there are better alternatives.

In general, antibiotics have a limited role in eczema, and they can also be associated with the development of bacterial resistance. However, they may be useful if eczema continues to flare despite treating with topical steroids alone, and bacterial infection is suspected.

Signs that your eczema may be infected with bacteria include:

•        Your skin may appear itchier and redder or darker than your usual skin colour- If you look closely in natural light, you might see a tangerine glisten to the skin.
•        As the infection progresses, weeping and crusting with a yellow/golden tinge will be evident.
•        In more severe cases of infection- you may have a fever, temperature, nausea and feel generally unwell. If you have any of these symptoms or any other concerning signs of severe infection, then we would advise you to seek urgent care with your GP or NHS Out-Of-Hours Service.

What Else Could it be?

If you are unsure then you can use our Express Consultation Service where one of our expert clinicians will assess your case and offer you some treatment.

Other common skin infections in people who suffer with eczema include:

•        Fungal infections- such as candida (e.g., candidal intertrigo) and tinea (e.g. athletes foot, ringworm)- these are normally found in moist skin folds such as under the arm, groin and breasts. These types of infection will require antifungal treatment and therefore Fucibet is not appropriate.
•        Viral infections- there is a serious condition called Eczema Herpeticum which is caused by the cold sore virus, and it is important that you seek Urgent Care if you suspect you have this condition. Symptoms of Eczema Herpeticum include areas of painful eczema that quickly get worse, groups of fluid-filled blisters that break open and leave small, shallow, open sores on the skin, and a high temperature and generally feeling unwell. Fucibet is not appropriate for viral infections.


How do I Prevent my Eczema from Becoming Infected in the First Place?

•        Maintain a healthy skin barrier with regular, frequent application of a suitable emollient cream or ointment.
•        Get on top of any flare ups quickly by using topical steroid creams/ ointments appropriately.
•        Try to stop Itching and Scratching as this will open the skin surface making it more likely to entry from bacteria, fungus and viruses.

• Apply Twice Daily the affected skin.
• Use the cream for up to 2 weeks- if there is no improvement after 1 week then stop using it and see your GP.
• Spread Thinly- A fingertip amount of cream will cover the same area as that of 2 palms of your hands. See the ‘Topical Steroids Factsheet’ in our ‘Resources Section’ for more information on how much and where to apply.
• Remove the cap. Check the seal is not broken before you first use the cream. Then push the spike in the cap through the seal on the tube.
• Always wash your hands before using Fucidin H Cream. Rub the medicine gently on the skin. If you use it on your face, be careful to avoid your eyes.
• Unless you are using the cream to treat your hands, always wash your hands after using Fucidin H Cream.

•        Do not use the cream on yourself or a child for more than 2 weeks; this is to avoid bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic and to avoid the steroid causing you side effects.

•        Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

•        If you use the cream over a long time or in large amounts it may make the chance of getting any side effects or infections higher. Also your skin may get more sensitive to this medicine.

•        You must not use the medicine for a long time on your face.

•        Unless your prescriber has told you to, you must not use Fucidin H Cream on open wounds or sensitive areas such as the nostrils, ears, lips or genitals.

•        Unless your prescriber has told you to, you must not use Fucidin H Cream on thin skin, skin ulcers, broken veins or acne.

•        Adrenal suppression may occur- signs are tiredness, depression and anxiety. This can be reversed by stopping Fucidin H Cream.

•        Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns.

•        For external use only- do not swallow and keep away from eyes.

•        Do not use the product if you are allergic (hypersensitive) or suspect allergy to any of the ingredients contained within it.

•        Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

•        Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicine, especially if you are taking ritonavir and itraconazole medications.

Active Ingredients: Fusidic acid 2% and Hydrocortisone acetate 1%.

Other Ingredients: Butylhydroxyanisole (E320), cetyl alcohol, glycerol, liquid paraffin, potassium sorbate, polysorbate 60, white soft paraffin, all-rac-α-tocopherol, purified water.

All medications and products can potentially cause side effects- If they are severe, or are mild and do not improve, then you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This list may not be exhaustive so please consult the patient information leaflet for the full list.

Common Side effects (affecting 1%- 10% of people): Application site reaction including pruritus (itch), burning and irritation.
Uncommon Side effects (affecting 0.1%-1% of people): Hypersensitivity, Contact Dermatitis, Eczema (condition aggravated) and Rash.

With long term consistent use then topical corticosteroids may cause undesirable effects such as: Atrophy (skin breakdown), dermatitis (including dermatitis contact and dermatitis acneiform), perioral dermatitis, skin striae (lines), telangiectasia (tiny blood vessels), rosacea, erythema (redness), hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), depigmentation and ecchymosis (bruising).