Fucidin contains fusidic acid 2%, a topical antibiotic cream or ointment. It treats impetigo, infected cuts and grazes, infected eczema and other localised bacterial skin infections. Fucidin H additionally contains hydrocortisone. Use it for a short defined course.
What is Fucidin?
Fucidin contains fusidic acid 2%, available as a cream and an ointment (Schedule 2). Related products include Fucidin H, which adds hydrocortisone 1% (Schedule 4), plus an oral suspension and an intravenous form for serious infections.
Fusidic acid blocks a step in bacterial protein synthesis, preventing the bacterium from growing and multiplying. It is particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus — the organism behind most skin infections — and against streptococci.
Two things are worth knowing about it.
It is one of the few topical antibiotics that reaches beyond the surface. Fusidic acid penetrates intact skin well, which is why it works on infections sitting slightly deeper than a purely superficial preparation could manage.
Resistance develops readily with overuse. Staphylococcal resistance to fusidic acid rises measurably in populations where topical use is heavy, and it is directly linked to prolonged and repeated courses. That is the reason for the short-course rule below, and it is not a formality — it is why this medicine still works.
What is Fucidin commonly used for?
- Impetigo — the crusted, honey-coloured sores common in children, usually around the nose and mouth.
- Infected cuts, grazes and small wounds.
- Infected insect bites and scratches.
- Folliculitis — infected hair follicles.
- Infected eczema, where Fucidin H is often chosen because it treats the infection and the inflammation together.
- Small boils, in some cases.
- Secondarily infected minor skin conditions.
The common thread is small, localised and superficial.
Where a topical antibiotic is not the answer:
- Spreading infection. Cellulitis — redness spreading outward, warmth, swelling — needs oral antibiotics, not a cream.
- A collection of pus. An abscess or large boil needs drainage; antibiotics reach bacteria through the bloodstream and the inside of an abscess has little blood supply.
- Extensive impetigo, or impetigo not responding within a few days, which usually needs oral treatment.
- Fungal infections, which need an antifungal such as Fungistop Topical — a common and easily made mistake, since a fungal rash and a bacterial one can look similar.
A note on Fucidin H. The added hydrocortisone settles redness and itching quickly, which is genuinely useful in infected eczema. But a steroid also suppresses the appearance of a rash regardless of what is causing it, so plain Fucidin is the better choice where inflammation is not a major part of the picture. Do not keep Fucidin H as a general-purpose cream for any itchy rash.
Impetigo is contagious: keep towels and flannels separate, wash hands after applying, and keep a child home from school until the sores have crusted over or 48 hours of treatment have passed.
How Fucidin fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Treats |
|---|---|---|
| Topical antibiotics | Fusidic acid (Fucidin), mupirocin (Supiroban) | Impetigo, infected cuts, folliculitis |
| Antibiotic + steroid | Fucidin H | Infected eczema and inflamed infections |
| Topical antibacterials for burns | Silver sulfadiazine (Silbecor) | Burns, ulcers, pressure sores |
| Topical antifungals | Clotrimazole (Fungistop Topical, Canex V) | Fungal skin infection |
| Oral antibiotics | Flucloxacillin, amoxicillin | Spreading or deeper infection |
Identifying whether a rash is bacterial, fungal or inflammatory is most of the battle — they look more alike than they behave. See the skin, wound and topical medicines hub.
What to check before using Fucidin
Use it for a short defined course — generally no more than seven to ten days, and often less. Do not keep a tube in the cupboard and apply it to any sore or scratch over the following months. That habit is exactly how fusidic acid resistance develops.
Clean the area first, apply a thin layer, and wash your hands afterwards.
Do not use it in or near the eyes unless you have been given the specific eye preparation.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:
- The infection is spreading, or redness is moving outward from the site.
- There is pus or a swelling under the skin suggesting an abscess.
- You have a fever or feel generally unwell.
- The area is large, or there are many separate sores.
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system — any foot wound in diabetes needs assessment.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding, and do not apply it to the nipple area while breastfeeding unless directed.
- The medicine is for a newborn.
- You have been given Fucidin H and are unsure whether the rash is infected, inflamed, or something else.
- There has been no improvement after three to five days.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
If it has not worked within three to five days, stop and get it looked at. Non-response usually means the infection is deeper or more extensive than it appeared, that it is not bacterial at all, or that the organism is resistant. Continuing a cream in any of those cases wastes time while the problem progresses.
Do not use repeated courses. Fusidic acid resistance is directly linked to prolonged and repeated topical use, and it matters — this is one of a small number of effective topical antibiotics.
Mild stinging, burning or itching on application is common and usually settles. Increasing redness, a spreading rash or worsening discomfort means stop.
With Fucidin H, the steroid brings its own considerations with prolonged use — skin thinning, particularly on the face and in skin folds. Use it for the stated period only.
Do not share the tube, and do not use leftovers on a future problem.
Seek medical attention for spreading redness, warmth or swelling; red streaking away from the site; pus or a tender lump under the skin; fever or feeling unwell; sores that keep recurring; any infected wound in someone with diabetes; or a rash with facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
Related medicine guides
Frequently asked questions
What is Fucidin cream used for? Localised bacterial skin infections — impetigo, infected cuts and grazes, infected insect bites, folliculitis and infected eczema. It contains fusidic acid 2%.
What is the difference between Fucidin and Fucidin H? Fucidin H also contains hydrocortisone, a mild steroid, which settles redness and itching. It is used where inflammation is a significant part of the problem, such as infected eczema.
How long should I use it? A short defined course, generally no more than seven to ten days. Prolonged or repeated use drives resistance.
Can I use it on a fungal rash? No. It is an antibiotic and has no effect on fungi. Fungal rashes need an antifungal, and the two can look similar.
Can I keep the tube for next time? Better not to. Repeated casual use is what drives fusidic acid resistance, and skin infections are not interchangeable.
It is not getting better. What now? Stop after three to five days without improvement and get it assessed. It may be deeper than it looks, not bacterial, or resistant.