Fucibet cream combines fusidic acid, an antibiotic, with betamethasone, a potent steroid. It is prescribed for inflamed skin conditions — usually eczema or dermatitis — that have become bacterially infected. It treats both problems at once, and it is intended for short courses rather than ongoing use.
What is Fucibet?
Fucibet is Schedule 4 in South Africa — prescription-only:
| Contains | Per gram |
|---|---|
| Fusidic acid | 20 mg (2%) |
| Betamethasone | 1 mg (0.1%) |
Two active ingredients doing two different jobs:
- Fusidic acid is a topical antibiotic. It blocks bacterial protein synthesis, and is particularly active against Staphylococcus aureus — the organism that most often infects broken eczematous skin.
- Betamethasone valerate 0.1% is a potent topical steroid, suppressing the inflammation, redness and itch.
The combination exists because these two problems feed each other. Eczema damages the skin barrier; bacteria colonise the damaged skin; the infection inflames it further; the inflammation breaks the barrier down more. Treating only the inflammation leaves the infection driving it, and treating only the infection leaves inflamed skin that will break down again. Addressing both together interrupts the cycle.
Note the steroid potency. Betamethasone 0.1% is potent — several classes above hydrocortisone, though below clobetasol (Dovate). That has consequences for where it can be used and for how long.
Short courses are the rule here, for two distinct reasons:
- The steroid causes skin thinning and related effects with prolonged use.
- The antibiotic loses effectiveness when overused. Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to fusidic acid has risen substantially where it has been used casually or for long periods, and this is a genuine and documented problem. Typical courses are around one to two weeks.
What is Fucibet commonly used for?
A doctor may prescribe it for:
- Infected eczema or atopic dermatitis — the main use, where eczema has become weepy, crusted or worsening.
- Infected contact dermatitis.
- Infected seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Discoid eczema with secondary infection.
- Other inflamed skin conditions with bacterial infection, on medical assessment.
It is not a general-purpose cream, and it should not be used for:
- Fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot or thrush. The steroid makes fungal infections spread while the redness fades — a common and counterproductive mistake.
- Viral sores, including cold sores and chickenpox.
- Acne or rosacea, both worsened by potent steroids.
- Uninfected eczema, which needs a steroid and emollients but not an antibiotic.
- Undiagnosed rashes.
Using an antibiotic when there is no infection drives resistance without benefit. If the eczema is inflamed but not infected, a plain steroid is the appropriate treatment.
How Fucibet fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Combination steroid + antibiotic | Fucibet (fusidic acid + betamethasone) | Inflamed and infected skin |
| Topical corticosteroids | Hydrocortisone, betamethasone, clobetasol | Inflammation, graded by potency |
| Topical antibiotics | Fusidic acid, mupirocin | Bacterial skin infections |
| Topical antifungals | Clotrimazole, miconazole | Ringworm, thrush, athlete’s foot |
| Emollients | Aqueous cream, ointments | Moisturise; foundation of eczema care |
| Oral antibiotics | Cefalexin, flucloxacillin | Larger or spreading skin infections |
Extensive or spreading infection needs an oral antibiotic, not a cream — topical treatment cannot reach far enough. See the skin and wound care medicines hub.
What to check before using Fucibet
Use it for the short course prescribed, typically one to two weeks. Do not keep a tube for future flares and restart it yourself — a later rash may not be infected, or may not be bacterial at all.
Apply a thin layer to the affected area, usually twice daily. More does not work better; it only increases absorption of the steroid.
Continue emollients for the eczema itself, applied at a different time.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Are using it on the face, eyelids, armpits or groin. These absorb far more, and potent steroids are generally avoided there.
- Are using it on a child, who absorbs proportionally more relative to body size.
- Have rosacea, acne or perioral dermatitis.
- Have any fungal or viral skin infection at the site.
- Have leg ulcers, where steroids delay healing.
- Are applying it to large areas, or under dressings, plastic pants or nappies, which greatly increase absorption.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid applying it to the breast before feeding.
- Have diabetes, or take oral or inhaled steroids.
- Have previously reacted to fusidic acid.
Wash your hands after applying, unless treating your hands, and do not share the tube.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Common effects are local stinging, burning, itching or dryness at the application site.
With prolonged use, or on thin skin, steroid effects develop — and several do not fully reverse:
- Skin thinning (atrophy), leaving skin fragile and easily bruised.
- Stretch marks, particularly in the armpits, groin and inner thighs — usually permanent.
- Visible broken blood vessels, especially on the face.
- Perioral dermatitis — a rash around the mouth.
- Acne-like eruptions, or worsening rosacea.
- Lightening or darkening of skin, or increased hair growth.
- More frequent skin infections, and delayed healing.
Contact your doctor if:
- The condition worsens, or does not improve within a week.
- The area becomes more red, swollen, painful, warm or weeping, or red streaks appear.
- You develop fever, or feel generally unwell — spreading infection needs oral antibiotics.
- The rash spreads or changes character, which may indicate a fungal infection being masked.
- The treated area becomes more itchy or inflamed, which may be a reaction to the cream itself.
- You develop stretch marks, thinning or visible blood vessels.
- You have used it longer than prescribed, or the skin flares whenever you stop.
- Infection keeps returning — recurrent infected eczema sometimes reflects nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus, which can be treated.
Do not simply stop after prolonged use of a potent steroid — ask your doctor, as reducing gradually is sometimes needed to avoid a rebound flare.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Fucibet cream used for? Inflamed skin conditions, usually eczema or dermatitis, that have become bacterially infected. It combines fusidic acid, an antibiotic, with betamethasone, a potent steroid.
Can Fucibet be used for a fungal infection? No. It contains no antifungal, and the steroid makes fungal infections spread while the redness temporarily fades. Ringworm and athlete’s foot need an antifungal.
Can I use Fucibet for itching? Only where the itch comes from an inflamed and infected skin condition a doctor has assessed. For uninfected itchy eczema, a plain steroid and emollients are appropriate.
Is it a strong cream? The steroid component is potent — several classes above hydrocortisone. It is meant for short courses.
How long can I use it? Typically one to two weeks. Longer use risks skin thinning and encourages antibiotic resistance.
Can I use it on my face? Generally not without specific direction. Facial skin is thin and absorbs more, making thinning, visible vessels and a rash around the mouth more likely.
Can I keep the tube for next time? Better not to restart it yourself. A later rash may not be infected, or may not be bacterial — and unnecessary antibiotic use drives resistance.
What if the infection is spreading? See a doctor promptly. Spreading redness, red streaks or fever need oral antibiotics — a cream will not be enough.