Daktacort

Daktacort is a cream or ointment medicine that treats inflamed and infected skin caused by various conditions, including infected eczema. It is a medicine for the treatment of bacterial, not viral, infections. It is a topical treatment, which means it is applied externally to the skin.Daktacort is a prescription-only medication that is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and athlete’s foot when the skin has become infected and inflamed. It is a mild steroid treatment that contains two main active ingredients: miconazole nitrate and hydrocortisone. Daktacort can be used by adults and children.

Daktacort is a cream or ointment medicine that treats inflamed and infected skin caused by various conditions, including infected eczema. It is a medicine for the treatment of bacterial, not viral, infections. It is a topical treatment, which means it is applied externally to the skin.

Daktacort contains two active ingredients:

• Miconazole: this is an anti-fungal substance that directly targets the infected area, killing the bacteria, yeasts and fungi that are affecting the skin. It works by attacking the fungal cells and making holes in them, exposing their components which destroys them;
• Hydrocortisone: this is an anti-inflammatory steroid that treats the soreness, redness and itching caused by the inflammation. Hydrocortisone is known as a corticosteroid, which should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes illegally used by athletes to enhance their muscle mass. Corticosteroids are produced in various strengths, from mild to potent. Daktacort is a mild steroid cream or ointment that is not dangerous if used for a short period. It should not be used for a long period of time (more than seven days in a row).

This medicine fights inflammation and the irritation to the skin it causes, which can be very painful and uncomfortable. The adrenal gland in the body produces an essential hormone called cortisol, which is responsible for fighting inflammation naturally. When the skin becomes inflamed the blood vessels expand and release a chemical that causes the inflammation. Corticosteroids are the medical version of this hormone, and they help to reduce inflammation.

Dakacort comes in the form of a cream or an ointment. The cream is thinner in consistency and more suitable for moist or weeping skin, while the ointment is thicker and suits dry, scaly skin better.

Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream and ointment are used when the skin has become infected and inflamed as a result of a skin infection. It can be prescribed to both adults and children. Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream and ointment treat a range of skin conditions, including:

• Infected eczema (a bacterial infection);
• Athlete’s foot (a fungal infection between the toes);
• Thrush (a yeast infection);
• Sweat rash (when sweat does not reach the skin’s surface, causing inflammation);
• Ringworm (a fungal skin infection);
• Dermatitis (itchy, dry skin).

One of the causes of a skin infection is scratching the skin when it itches, causing it to become infected and raw. The itch- scratch-itch cycle can become impossible to control and the skin can become severely inflamed, sore and red very quickly. The skin becomes infected as bacteria enter the site of the skin condition, often from the fingernails. This can be extremely painful and uncomfortable for the sufferer. It can also cause a fear of being out in public as skin conditions that are visible can be unsightly.

Skin infections often occur in the folds of the skin or warm and moist areas of the body such as the inner elbows, backs of the knees and the groin area, where bacteria thrive and breed. They can, however, occur anywhere on the body, including the face, the arms and the neck. Dakacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream and ointment treat the inflammation of the skin, but do not cure the condition, and they are not a long-term treatment for eczema or fungal infections. Once the medication has been used for a maximum of seven days it should be stopped and another form of treatment be used to treat the condition, if necessary. For any follow-up treatment, you should not use any medication that contains hydrocortisone.

When you use Dakacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream or ointment, you should see an improvement in the inflammation and condition of your skin within a week. If this has not happened, you should speak to your doctor and try an alternative treatment. It is not recommended to use Dakacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream or ointment long-term as topical steroid medication can cause thinning of the skin, excess hair growth and stretch marks.

You use Dakacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream and ointment in the same way:

1. Thoroughly wash your hands;
2. Wash the affected area and pat it dry (do not share your towel or flannel with anyone else and change them often, as skin infections can be contagious);
3. Apply a pea-sized amount of Daktacort to the tip of your finger;
4. Gently apply the medicine to the affected area of your skin until it disappears – do not rub hard;
5. Wash and dry your hands again.

If the area where you use Daktacort has to be covered by clothing such as underwear, you should try to wear loose cotton fabrics and wash them as often as possible. Daktacort may damage some fabrics.

It is not advisable to cover the area with bandages or plasters. If this is unavoidable, you should try to uncover the inflamed skin as often as possible, as otherwise you may experience some of the side effects associated with corticosteroids, such as thinning of the skin. Care should be taken when using Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream or ointment for infants on the nappy area, and it is advised to use this medicine for as little time as possible if it is applied to a part of the skin covered by a nappy. If possible, do not put a nappy on your child after applying Daktacort until absolutely essential.

You should follow the instructions of your doctor on how many times a day to apply Daktacort.

The cream should be stored in the fridge at a temperature of between 2°C and 8°C to keep it in the best possible condition. The ointment can be stored at room temperature, but not at above 25°C.

The usual usage of both Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream and ointment is for it to be applied to the affected area two or three times a day, as instructed by your doctor, for up to seven days. Do not use extra Daktacort cream or ointment if you forget to apply a dose or you feel there is no improvement in your skin condition. If you forget a dose, simply apply the usual dose the next time one is due: do not apply a double dose. If you feel there is no improvement, you should talk to your doctor. You should also see a doctor if the inflammation, itching and soreness become unbearable – do not apply extra Daktacort.

As with all medicines, Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream and ointment may cause side effects for some people. Some of the side effects that may occur are:

• Further skin irritation;
• A burning sensation;
• Stinging;
• Redness;
• Peeling skin;
• Blistering;
• Rash.

These side effects are for your information only as you may not suffer from any of them. For a full list of the possible side effects, please read the package leaflet. If you are concerned about any side effects that you are experiencing when using Dakacort, you should talk to your doctor. Daktacort does not interact with alcohol, nor does it affect your ability to operate machinery or drive.

You should not use Daktacort:

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the package leaflet;
• If you have very large areas of broken or inflamed skin;
• On viral skin infections such as shingles, cold sores, chickenpox or genital herpes;
• On other areas of your body that are inflamed, unless you have shown them to your doctor.

You should not use Daktacort ointment:

• On your face, unless advised to do so by your doctor;
• If you are using a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms or a diaphragm, as this medication can damage the material they are made from and cause them not to work correctly;
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised to do so by your doctor.

Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream and ointment should be used with caution in older people whose skin will already have begun to thin.

As with all medicines, Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream and ointment can interact with other medications you are taking. You should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before using Daktacort, including herbal medicines, vitamins and supplements.

Of particular note is that if Daktacort is used while you are taking warfarin (used for the prevention of blood clots), the miconazole could affect the action of the warfarin and speed it up. Therefore, it is vital you tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin before using Daktacort. They will then likely check your blood clotting time while you are using Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream or ointment.

Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream and ointment can only be prescribed by a doctor.

No, you cannot get Daktacort hydrocortisone miconazole cream or ointment without a prescription.

Daktacort Cream. (n.d.). Retrieved 6 April 2020, from https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news-and-analysis/daktacort-cream/10970273.article?firstPass=false

Daktacort 2% /1% w/w cream – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc). (13 April 2018). Retrieved 6 April 2020, from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1434/smpc

Ghelani, R. (2019, December 10). Daktacort cream and ointment. Retrieved 6 April 2020, from https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-hair/a6503/daktacort-cream-and-ointment-hydrocortisone-miconazole/

McGregor Cory Ltd. (2014, April 0). Daktacort® 2% / 1% w/w cream Miconazole nitrate and hydrocortisone. PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER. Retrieved from https://www.dokteronline.com

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