What is Daktacort Cream?
Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream contains two active ingredients: miconazole nitrate 2% and hydrocortisone 1%. The antifungal treats the infection, while the mild steroid helps reduce redness, swelling and itching.
The retail cream is for inflamed athlete’s foot and sweat rash. It is not a general treatment for eczema, nail infections or every type of dermatitis.
The 30g option is supplied as two 15g tubes of Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream. Both tubes have the same directions and storage requirements.
What is Daktacort Cream used for?
Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream treats inflamed athlete’s foot and sweat rash in adults and children aged 10 years and over. Sweat rash often occurs in warm skin folds, such as the underarms or groin. If an infection is not inflamed, an antifungal without a steroid may be more appropriate.
Do not use it for ringworm unless a doctor advises you to.
Where it can be used
Apply Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream only to the affected external skin for inflamed athlete’s foot or sweat rash. Do not use it on the face, eyes or broken skin.
Where it should not be used
Do not apply Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream to broken or bleeding skin, the face, eyes or mucous membranes. Use on the following areas only if your doctor has told you to:
- The genital area
- Around the anus
Do not use on large areas, under dressings or nappies, or for more than seven days. Ask a pharmacist first if you take warfarin or another oral anticoagulant. Stop and seek advice for unexpected bleeding or bruising. Avoid contact with condoms or diaphragms because the cream may damage the rubber.
How it works
The combination of hydrocortisone and miconazole in Daktacort Cream works in two ways. Miconazole effectively combats fungal infections by inhibiting the growth and spread of fungi. Hydrocortisone, a mild corticosteroid, reduces redness, swelling, and itching by suppressing the body's natural inflammatory response.
How to use Daktacort cream
- Wash and dry the affected skin well, using your own towel.
- Apply a small amount to the affected area and surrounding skin twice daily, rubbing it in gently.
- Wash your hands afterwards unless you are treating them.
- Use for no more than seven days. Do not cover it with a dressing or apply to large areas.
If after 7 days there is no improvement we suggest you contact your doctor for further advice.
Fingertip units (FTU)
An FTU represents the quantity of topical steroid cream dispensed from a regular tube using a standard 5 mm nozzle onto the fingertip of an adult. The fingertip measurement, measures from the tip of an adult finger to the first crease of the finger. This single FTU is adequate for treating an area of skin equal to twice the size of an adult's flat hand with fingers closely aligned, commonly referred to as a 'handprint.'
This is a general way to explain amounts of skin cream, not a reason to cover a large area with Daktacort. Its directions are to apply a small amount to the affected area; ask a pharmacist if you are unsure how much skin needs treatment.
How long it takes to work
Daktacort Cream typically starts providing relief within a few days of use and can be used for up to 7 days. If after 7 days there is no improvement we suggest you contact your doctor for further advice.
Side Effects
While Daktacort Cream is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as:
- Skin irritation
- Itching at the application site
- Burning at the application site
Stop using it and seek medical help immediately for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Contact a doctor for blurred vision or other changes in vision. Stop using the cream and speak to a pharmacist or doctor for skin irritation or other troublesome effects.
Daktacort and pregnancy
As data is limited on the use of Daktacort during pregnancy as a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use during pregnancy. Contact your doctor if you feel you need to use this medication while pregnant.
Daktacort and breastfeeding
As data is limited on the use of Daktacort during breastfeeding as a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use during breastfeeding. Contact your doctor if you feel you need to use this medication while breastfeeding.
Daktacort ingredients
Active ingredients: each gram contains miconazole nitrate 20mg (2%) and hydrocortisone acetate equivalent to hydrocortisone 10mg (1%).
Other ingredients: macrogol 6-32 stearate, glycol stearate, oleoyl macrogolglycerides, liquid paraffin, butylhydroxyanisole (E320), benzoic acid (E210), disodium edetate, sodium hydroxide and purified water.
Benzoic acid (2mg per gram) can irritate the skin. Butylhydroxyanisole can cause local skin reactions or irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Daktacort cream while pregnant?
Data is limited on the use of Daktacort during pregnancy. Consult with your GP or midwife before starting any treatment.
Does Daktacort cream expire?
Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store Daktacort cream?
Store below 25°C and keep out of the sight and reach of children. The 30g option contains two 15g tubes, so the same storage instructions apply to both. Do not use after the expiry date on the carton or tube; return unwanted cream to a pharmacy.
What is maximum length of time I can use Daktacort?
If your skin condition has not improved after 7 days of use, stop using the cream and contact your doctor.
What does Daktacort cream contain?
It contains miconazole nitrate 2% and hydrocortisone 1% (as hydrocortisone acetate). The full list of other ingredients is in the ingredients section above and the supplied leaflet.
Who shouldn't use Daktacort cream?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, your skin is broken, you suffer from other skin conditions such as cold sores, acne, herpes, chickenpox, or shingles.
Is it safe to buy Daktacort cream from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking counterfeit medicines. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.
