Fucidin Cream
Fucidin 2% Cream is a prescription-only antibiotic containing fusidic acid 2%. It is clinically proven to treat bacterial infections on the surface of the skin, such as impetigo but also infected eczema.
Fast, effective, and convenient, Fucidin cream helps clear crusted or weeping skin sores within 5 to 7 days. At Quick Meds, you can request Fucidin cream online following a short online consultation and photo assessment reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber.
Fucidin cream Summary
Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
Active ingredient | Fusidic Acid 2% |
Used for | Topical treatment of bacterial skin infections such as impetigo, infected eczema/dermatitis |
Medicine Classification | Prescription-only medicine (POM) |
Available strengths | 2% Fusidic acid |
Pack sizes | 15g tube |
Age Eligibility | Adults aged 18 and over (through Quick Meds online clinic) |
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding | Safe in pregnancy. Safe during breastfeeding (avoid applying to chest) |
Directions for Use | Apply thinly 3-4 times daily to the affected skin for 5-7 days |
Onset of Effect | Initial symptom improvement within 24 to 48 hours |
Typical Treatment Length | Strictly 5 to 7 days |
Order Limit | 1 x 15g tube |
Prescription Requirement | Yes, online consultation with a UK prescriber before supply |
How To Buy Fucidin 2% Cream Online In The UK?
As a prescription-only medicine, you cannot purchase Fucidin over the counter. Quick Meds provides a safe, regulated online prescribing pathway to access treatment without the need for a GP appointment:
Complete an online consultation. This asks about your symptoms, medical history and if you take other medicines.
Checkout. Add Fucidin to your basket and checkout.
Clinical review. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your consultation for safety and appropriateness. As part of the Impetigo service, images of the affected area will be requested to verify the diagnosis.
Fast delivery. All approved orders are dispensed in-house, packaged securely in plain, discreet packaging and sent straight to your door.
Strengths, Pack Sizes And What You Receive
Fucidin is supplied in a single strength - 2% fusidic acid. Each box contains a 15g tube of cream along with a patient information leaflet detailing step-by-step instructions on use.
Delivery information
At QuickMeds, we understand acute skin infections require rapid treatment. Orders approved by 2:00PM Monday to Friday are dispatched on the same working day. We offer Royal Mail Tracked 24 and Special Next Day Guaranteed delivery options to suit your treatment needs.
Fucidin Cream Pricing
Pack size | Price |
|---|---|
15g tube | £9.99 |
Prices are correct as of October 2026 and include the medical consultation, prescriber review and dispensing fees. Delivery options are calculated at checkout.
What Is Fucidin Cream And How Does It Work?
Fucidin, is the brand name for fusidic acid, an antibiotic cream designed to treat superficial (on the surface) skin infections.
When applied to infected areas of skin, fusidic acid affects the bacteria that cause the infection (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus) from growing. This stops the growth and spread of the infection, allowing the skin to heal rapidly.
As it is applied directly to the infection site, a very small amount is absorbed into the blood, resulting in significantly less side effects compared to oral antibiotic tablets.
How To Apply Fucidin Cream: Dosage & Administration
When using Fucidin cream, always follow the prescribers guidance:
Wash hands. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and warm water before touching infected skin.
Cleanse affected areas. Gently wash the affected skin with water and a mild cleansing agent to loosen crusts. Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel..
Apply a thin layer of Fucidin cream on the sores and surrounding skin. When using Fucidin cream, follow the prescribers guidance and read the instructions carefully.
Gently rub in the cream into the skin until fully absorbed.
Wash hands after use, to avoid spreading bacteria to other body parts or to other people.
Fucidin cream is for external skin use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, nostrils, mouth membranes.
Storage Recommendations
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use Fucidin after its expiry date.
Do not share the cream with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
It is important to discard any remaining cream once you have completed your course. If symptoms come back, it is important to request a new assessment as returning/recurring symptoms may need a different treatment.
How Effective Is Fucidin For Impetigo?
Fusidic acid is an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate impetigo. It kills the bacteria causing the infection, by stopping it from growing and spreading.
Most patients see a significant reduction in skin redness, weeping and crusting within 48 hours of starting the treatment.
Even if skin looks completely clear, it is important to complete the full 5 to 7 days course. Stopping the course early can allow surviving bacteria to multiply, leading to reinfection and antibiotic resistance.
If your impetigo symptoms are not better after 5 days, stop using the cream and speak to our clinical team or your GP for a face-to-face assessment.
Who Shouldn’t Use Fucidin?
Whilst the cream can safely be used my most patients you should not use Fucidin cream if you:
Are allergic to fusidic acid, sodium fusidate, or any of the inactive ingredients listed in the leaflet (e.g., cetyl alcohol, potassium sorbate)
Have a severe, widespread infection covering larger body areas
Have viral skin infections, such as cold sores, chicken pox, or fungal skin infections like ringworm.
Are seeking treatment for dry, non-weeping scabs - where ointment would be more appropriate.
Are under 18 years old. Parents seeking treatment for children 1+ can access free face-to-face care under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme.
Side Effects Of Fucidin
As it’s applied directly to the affected areas of skin, only a very small amount of the drug gets into the bloodstream. Because of this, systemic side effects are very rare.
Uncommon side effects, affecting less than 1 in 100 people, include mild skin irritation, stinging, burning or redness where the cream has been applied.
Rare side effects, affecting less than 1 in 1,000 people include allergic contact dermatitis, hives, or localised swelling.
If you experience severe swelling, intense pain, or a worsening rash, wash the cream off and seek immediate medical advice.
Interactions And Things to Avoid
Fucidin cream has no known interactions, and you can continue to take your regular medicines alongside Fucidin.
You should however, avoid applying other creams, moisturisers or cosmetic products directly over Fucidin at the same time. This can dilute the antibiotic, reducing its effectiveness.
What Are The Alternatives To Fucidin?
Fucidin is also available as an ointment, containing sodium fusidate in a greasy, paraffin base. Unlike Fucidin cream which is water-based, the ointment is ideal for dry, heavily crusted, or non-weeping lesions to help soften scabs.
Another alternative is Crystacide, containing hydrogen peroxide 1%. This is an over-the-counter antiseptic cream which can help kill surface bacteria without using antibiotics, eliminating the risk of resistance.
Why Choose Quick Meds For Your Fucidin Prescription?
Quick Meds is a UK-based GPhC-registered online pharmacy dedicated to providing safe, convenient and discreet healthcare. Every prescription request is independently checked by our in-house UK-registered prescribers to ensure clinical safety.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Is Fucidin cream available over the counter in the UK?+−
No. Fucidin is classed as a prescription only medicine (POM). A clinical assessment is required before it can be supplied.
Can I use Fucidin cream on cold sores?+−
No. Fucidin contains an antibiotic, which has no effect on cold sores, which are caused by a virus. Fucidin will not work and using it can delay proper antiviral treatment.
Does Fucidin cream affect hormonal contraception?+−
No. Topical Fucidin cream does not interact with or reduce the effectiveness of combined contraceptive pills, progesterone-only pills, patches, or implants.
What is the difference between Fucidin Cream and Fucidin Ointment?+−
Fucidin cream is water-based and absorbs quickly, making it a good choice for sores which are moist or weeping.
Fucidin ointment is oil-based, creates a greasy barrier and is ideal for dry, heavily crusted skin.
