Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Laura Marusinec, MD. Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.
How.com.vn marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status.
This article has been viewed 486,035 times.
Pimples occur when hair follicles and skin pores become clogged with oil and dead skin, forming a plug. This plug creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, producing a large, red, sore pimple. Fucidin is an antibiotic cream that kills bacteria and can help your infected pimples heal faster, but when used incorrectly, it can irritate your skin. While Fucidin may help treat certain types of pimples, it is not specifically approved for the treatment of acne.
Steps
Wash and dry your hands. Before applying any cream to your pimple, make sure that your hands are completely clean and dry.[1]
Open the tube of Fucidin cream. Remove the cap and use the spike on the cap to break the seal.[2]- If the tube is new, remove the cap and check to be sure that the seal is not broken before opening it yourself. If it is broken, return the tube and get a new one.
Advertisement
Apply the cream to the infected pimple. The medication should be thinly applied 3 to 4 times per day unless directed otherwise by your doctor.[3] Continue the treatment until the pimple heals.- Rub the medication in with a clean finger or a sterile cotton swab.
- Use no more than a pea-sized amount and rub it into the skin until you can no longer see it.
- Wash your hands afterward to prevent the medication from irritating the skin on your hands.
- Do not apply Fucidin to uninfected areas, as it may cause irritation.
Consult your doctor for advice before using it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Similarly, do not use it on a young child or infant without discussing it with your doctor first.[4]
Use caution when applying Fucidin. Be sure to apply it only to the pimple.- If you are applying the medication to your face, be careful not to get it in your eyes.
- Do not swallow the medication and keep it out of reach of small children.
- Do not apply it to mucous membranes such as your mouth or genitals.
Be aware of the possible side effects. Side effects are uncommon, but if they do occur, discontinue the medication immediately and get medical help. Possible side effects include:[5]- Irritation where it has been applied—symptoms may include pain, burning, and, itching
- Rashes
- More severe skin eczema
Do not use Fucidin if you are allergic to it. Know what ingredients are contained in Fucidin. If you show symptoms of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a rash/hives, etc.) seek medical help immediately.[6]- The main active ingredients are fusidic acid and hydrocortisone acetate.
- Here’s a quick breakdown of the other ingredients: butylhydroxyanisole (E320), cetyl alcohol, glycerol, liquid paraffin, polysorbate 60, potassium sorbate, water, all-rac-α-tocopherol, and white soft paraffin.
- In particular, butylhydroxyanisole (E320), cetyl alcohol, and potassium sorbate may cause an itchy rash or inflammation where applied. If you show these symptoms, discontinue the medication and consult your doctor.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do I know if my pimples are healing with the Fucidin cream?
Laura Marusinec, MDDr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.
Board Certified PediatricianYou will start to see less redness and bumps/pimples first. You should notice less breakouts and smoother skin in time. - QuestionIs an expired tube of Fucidin harmful to use, or does it just not have the same results?Laura Marusinec, MDDr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.
Board Certified PediatricianDo not use expired medications, including creams. The effectiveness of the medication in creams usually decreases with time. But, more importantly, creams can get contaminated by bacteria or other organisms over time, especially once they are opened. This can cause a serious infection. - QuestionI have used it for two months. My doctor told me the course is three months, but there has been no change in my acne. What should I do?Laura Marusinec, MDDr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.
Board Certified PediatricianIf there is no change at two months of using, feel free to call your doctor to evaluate and consider an additional or different treatment plan.
Tips
- Topical application of Fucidin should not interfere with your ability to drive.[7]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5511.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fusidic-acid/how-and-when-to-use-fusidic-acid/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fusidic-acid/how-and-when-to-use-fusidic-acid/
- ↑ https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5511.pdf
- ↑ https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5511.pdf
- ↑ https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5511.pdf
- ↑ https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5511.pdf
About This Article
To treat a pimple with Fucidin, start by washing the pimple with warm water to clean the area and open up the pore. Then, dry your skin with a clean towel. Finally, rub a pea-sized amount of Fucidin into the pimple until you can't see the medication anymore. Repeat the process 3-4 times per day unless you've been told otherwise by your doctor. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to deal with side effects when using Fucidin, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
"It's really effective for me. I applied it every time I washed my face, and thankfully no allergic reactions were seen. It's super cool, but as always, it took only a week, and depending upon your skin type, the treatment may take less time or longer."..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
