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Skin infections can be a real pain, causing discomfort and worry. When you’re looking for relief, you might come across two similar-sounding treatments: Fucidin Cream and Fucidin H Cream.Â
While their names are similar, these creams have different ingredients and uses. Whether you’re dealing with a simple bacterial infection or one that’s also red, itchy and inflamed, knowing which cream to use will help you get the right treatment.
| Feature | Fucidin Cream | Fucidin H Cream |
| Active ingredients | Fusidic acid 2% | Fusidic acid 2% + Hydrocortisone acetate 1% |
| Medication form | Topical Cream | Topical Cream |
| What it does | Fights skin bacteria | Fights skin bacteria and reduces inflammation |
| Used to Treat | Infected eczema and dermatitis Infected cuts and scrapes Impetigo (skin infection) | Infected atopic eczema and dermatitis |
| Anti-inflammatory effect | No | Yes (due to hydrocortisone) |
| Suitable for open wounds | Yes, for infected minor cuts and grazes | No |
| Safe for use on the face | Yes | Yes, but with caution due to hydrocortisone |
| Safe for use on babies | Yes | Yes, but only if advised by a GP or pharmacist |
| Common Side Effects | Skin irritation Burning or stinging sensation | Itching, burning or irritation where it’s applied Skin thinning if used for too long (due to hydrocortisone) |
| Typical treatment duration | 1-2 weeks | Up to 2 weeks |
| Application frequency | 3 to 4 times daily | 3 times daily unless directed otherwise |
| Prescription required | Yes | Yes |
Fucidin cream is a prescription topical antibiotic that contains fusidic acid, which tackles bacterial infections on the skin. When applied, it works to stop bacteria from growing, helping to clear up infections effectively.
Doctors and pharmacists often recommend Fucidin cream for a range of bacterial skin infections.
Fucidin cream treats infected skin conditions caused by bacteria, such as infected eczema or dermatitis, impetigo, infected wounds and infections around the nails.
Fucidin cream isn’t suitable for treating viral infections like cold sores or fungal infections like athlete’s foot. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as a sudden rash, unexplained itching, or persistent skin discolouration that doesn’t seem like a typical bacterial infection, it’s best to speak to a GP or pharmacist. These symptoms could indicate a viral or fungal infection, which would require different treatment approaches.
Fucidin H cream is a dual-action prescription topical treatment that combines two active ingredients: fusidic acid, an antibiotic, and hydrocortisone, a mild steroid. This formulation is particularly effective for treating skin conditions that involve both infections and inflammation.
Fusidic acid works to eliminate bacteria that cause infection, while hydrocortisone helps reduce redness, swelling, and itching. Fucidin H cream is only available on prescription and is mainly used for infected atopic eczema and dermatitis.
Fucidin H cream treats eczema and dermatitis that’s red, inflamed and infected with bacteria. Its combination of fusidic acid and hydrocortisone clears the infection and calms the flare-up at the same time.
The main difference between Fucidin and Fucidin H Cream is their ingredients. Fucidin cream contains fusidic acid, an antibiotic specifically aimed at fighting bacterial infections on the skin. Fucidin H cream combines fusidic acid with hydrocortisone, a mild steroid that also helps reduce inflammation in the affected area.
When it comes to what they treat, Fucidin cream is great for straightforward bacteria-related infections without much inflammation. Fucidin H cream is designed for situations where you have both an infection and inflammation – think red, itchy, or swollen skin.
Both creams are meant for short courses. Fucidin cream is usually used for 5 to 7 days, as longer use can make bacteria resistant to fusidic acid. Fucidin H cream shouldn’t normally be used for more than 2 weeks, because long-term steroid use can thin the skin.
Choosing between Fucidin and Fucidin H cream depends on your specific skin condition.
| Condition | Recommended Cream | Reason |
| Simple bacterial skin infections | Fucidin cream | Targets bacteria without additional anti-inflammatory effects |
| Impetigo without significant inflammation | Fucidin cream | Effective against the bacteria causing impetigo |
| Infected wounds or cuts | Fucidin cream | Treats the infection without a steroid, which isn’t suitable for broken skin |
| Infected hair follicles | Fucidin cream | Addresses the bacterial cause of folliculitis |
| Infected eczema with inflammation | Fucidin H cream | Treats infection and reduces inflammation |
| Dermatitis with a bacterial infection | Fucidin H cream | Addresses both infection and underlying skin irritation |
| Impetigo with significant inflammation | Fucidin cream | Treats the bacteria causing impetigo. A pharmacist or GP can advise if the skin is very inflamed. |
| Infected eczema that’s very itchy or red | Fucidin H cream | Treats the infection and calms the eczema flare-up |
Whether you’ve got an infected cut, impetigo or an eczema flare-up that’s turned red and sore, our online clinics can help. Our pharmacist prescribers will assess your symptoms and prescribe the right treatment, all from the comfort of your home.
For infections like impetigo, infected wounds or folliculitis, visit our Skin Infections Clinic. If your eczema or dermatitis has become itchy, inflamed or infected, our Eczema & Dermatitis Clinic is the best place to start.
There’s no waiting for a GP appointment. If Fucidin or Fucidin H cream is right for your condition, we can prescribe it after reviewing your symptoms and medical history.
Take the first step towards healthier skin by starting a consultation with Click2Pharmacy today.
