Description
Daktarin 2% Cutaneous Powder is a medicated antifungal powder for fungal — and associated bacterial — skin infections on the hands, feet, outer ear, trunk and groin, and for nappy rash. The active ingredient, miconazole nitrate, destroys the fungus that causes the infection and some of the bacteria that can accompany it, while the powder base helps keep the skin dry. That makes it especially useful for athlete’s foot, sweaty areas and skin folds where moisture slows healing. Suitable for adults and children of all ages, and available without prescription.
Key benefits
- Treats and dries — clears the fungal infection while keeping moist skin dry.
- Ideal for feet and folds — between the toes, the groin and other skin folds prone to sweat.
- Helps prevent re-infection — can be dusted into socks, shoes and clothing that touch the affected area.
- Can be used on broken skin and is gentle enough for nappy rash (keep away from the face — see directions).
- Pairs with the cream — use Daktarin cream to soothe and the powder to dry.
What is Daktarin Powder used for?
For fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch and sweat rash, and for nappy rash — particularly where a drying effect helps.
Daktarin Powder vs Cream — what’s the difference?
Both contain miconazole. The cream treats and soothes cracked, sore skin; the powder treats while keeping the area dry and can be dusted into socks and shoes. Many people use both — the cream by day and the powder at night.
Can I use Daktarin Powder for athlete’s foot?
Yes. Apply to clean, dry feet and between the toes, and dust some into socks and shoes to help stop the infection coming back.
Can it be used for jock itch or in the groin?
Yes — it suits the groin and other skin folds where a drying effect is helpful.
Is Daktarin Powder safe for babies and nappy rash?
It can be used for nappy rash in children of all ages, but it contains talc — do not let the baby breathe in the powder, and keep it away from the face.
Can I use the cream and powder together?
Yes. When using both, apply each one once a day.
Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use.
How to use:
Directions for use
- Wash the affected area and dry it well.
- Sprinkle the powder onto the infected skin and the area around it once or twice a day (for example, morning and night). It may be used on broken skin and is especially useful where a drying effect is needed.
- To help prevent re-infection, dust the powder into socks, shoes and clothing that come into contact with the affected area.
- Wash your hands afterwards, and wash and change socks frequently, to avoid spreading the infection.
- Continue treatment until the skin has completely healed. If you are also using Daktarin cream, apply each product once daily.
For external use on the skin only. Do not swallow. If symptoms persist or worsen, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Who should not use it
- Do not use if you are allergic to miconazole, to other similar (azole) antifungal medicines, or to any of the ingredients (including talc).
Warnings and precautions
- Contains talc — do not inhale. Breathing in the powder can irritate the airways. Take particular care with babies and children: keep the powder away from the face and apply it close to the skin.
- Avoid the eyes. Stop using the powder if you get irritation or a sensitivity reaction.
- 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.
Possible side effects
Most people use Daktarin Powder without problems. The most likely effects are mild reactions where the powder 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 powder 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.
