Description
Daktarin 2% Cream is a clinically established treatment for fungal — and associated bacterial — skin infections, including athlete’s foot, jock itch (dhobie itch), ringworm and sweat rash (intertrigo). It can also be used on infected nappy rash. The active ingredient, miconazole nitrate 2% w/w, destroys the fungus that causes the infection and some of the bacteria that often accompany it. Its moisturising base also helps soothe cracked, red and irritated skin while the infection clears. Suitable for adults and children of all ages, and available without prescription.
Key benefits
- Treats the infection at its source — antifungal miconazole tackles fungus and some associated bacteria.
- Soothes as it treats — a moisturising base helps calm cracked, sore, inflamed skin.
- Versatile — for the feet, hands, groin, trunk and outer ear, and for infected nappy rash.
- Suitable for all ages — for adults, children and infants (see directions for nappy-rash use).
- Works well with Daktarin Powder — use the cream to treat and soothe, and the powder where a drying effect is needed.
How to use:
- Wash and dry the affected area and the skin around it.
- Apply a thin layer of cream to the infected skin and surrounding area twice a day (morning and night), unless your pharmacist advises otherwise. For infected nappy rash, apply at each nappy change.
- Rub in gently and wash your hands afterwards (unless your hands are the area being treated) to avoid spreading the infection.
- Keep using the cream for at least one week after the skin looks and feels normal, to stop the infection returning.
- If you are also using Daktarin powder, apply each product once daily.
For external use on the skin only. Do not swallow. If symptoms do not improve, or get worse, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Who should not use Daktarin Cream?
- Do not use if you are allergic to miconazole, to other similar (azole) antifungal medicines, or to any of the ingredients — including benzoic acid (E210) or butylated hydroxyanisole (E320).
Warnings and precautions
- Avoid the eyes. Stop using the cream if you get irritation or a sensitivity reaction.
- Flammable: this cream contains paraffin. Keep away from naked flames and cigarettes. Clothing, bedding and dressings that contact the cream burn more easily, even after washing.
- Other medicines: tell your pharmacist if you take an oral anticoagulant (a blood thinner such as warfarin), diabetes tablets (such as gliclazide or glibenclamide), or phenytoin (for epilepsy) — miconazole can increase their effects.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask your doctor or pharmacist before use.
- Newborns: the benzoic acid content may, rarely, increase jaundice in babies up to 4 weeks old. Check with your pharmacist before using on a newborn.
Possible side effects
Most people use Daktarin Cream without problems. The most likely effects are mild reactions where the cream is applied, such as skin irritation, redness, itching or a burning feeling.
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, redness or burning at the application site — stop using the cream and speak to your doctor.
Stop and seek immediate medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; light-headedness; wheezing; or difficulty breathing.
