What is Daktarin Cream?
Daktarin Cream is an antifungal treatment containing miconazole nitrate 2% w/w as its active ingredient. It is used to treat fungal and yeast infections of the skin and nails, such as athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch.
What is Daktarin Cream used for?
Daktarin 2% Cream can be used to treat a range of fungal skin and nail infections, including:
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) - a common fungal infection affecting the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet
- Ringworm (tinea corporis) - circular, red, scaly patches on the body or scalp
- Jock itch (tinea cruris) - a fungal infection of the groin area
- Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) - discolouration and thickening of the nails
- Fungal nappy rash - a yeast infection that can develop in the nappy area in infants
- Pityriasis versicolor - discoloured patches on the skin caused by a yeast overgrowth
- Skin thrush (cutaneous candidiasis) - a yeast infection that can occur in warm, moist areas of the body
Daktarin Cream is for external use only and should not be used inside the mouth or eyes.
To treat fungal infections in the mouth and throat (oral thrush), it is recommended to use Daktarin Oral Gel, which can be applied directly inside the mouth, where it works at the site of infection to relieve discomfort, support healing and clear the infection.
How does Daktarin Cream work?
The active ingredient in Daktarin Cream is miconazole nitrate. Miconazole is an imidazole antifungal that works by interfering with the permeability of the fungal cell membrane. By disrupting the membrane, it prevents the fungal cells from surviving and reproducing, which helps clear the infection.
Daktarin (Miconazole) Cream: Our Pharmacist's Advice
"Daktarin Cream contains miconazole, a broad-spectrum antifungal that is used to treat a range of fungal and yeast skin and nail infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm and fungal nappy rash. It works by disrupting the cell membrane of the fungus, which prevents it from growing and spreading.
One of the most common reasons treatment takes longer than expected is that patients stop applying the cream once symptoms improve. I would recommend continuing for at least seven days after the infection has visibly cleared, as the fungus can still be present in the skin even when symptoms have resolved. Keeping the affected area clean and dry between applications will also support recovery."
How to use Daktarin Cream
To apply Daktarin Cream:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the affected area before application
- Apply a thin layer of cream to the infected skin and the surrounding area
- Gently rub the cream in until it has been fully absorbed
- Wash your hands after application to prevent spreading the infection to other areas
For skin infections, apply the cream twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. For nail infections, apply once or twice daily as directed by your prescriber.
Use a separate towel for the affected area and change any clothing that comes into contact with the infected skin regularly to reduce the risk of reinfection.
How long does Daktarin Cream take to work?
Some patients may notice an improvement in symptoms within a few days of starting treatment. However, the duration of treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. Most skin infections require two to six weeks of treatment.
It is important to continue using Daktarin Cream for at least seven days after all visible signs of infection have cleared (or 10 days for fungal nail infections). Stopping treatment too early, even if symptoms appear to have disappeared, can allow the infection to return. Consult your GP if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen during treatment.
For nail infections, treatment may need to continue for several weeks, as nails grow slowly and the cream needs time to reach the infection beneath the nail.
What are the side effects of Daktarin Cream?
Some common side effects can include a burning sensation, itching, redness or a rash on the skin, but if you experience a severe allergic reaction, stop using the cream and seek medical attention immediately.
How long can you use Daktarin Cream for?
The recommended treatment duration depends on the type of infection being treated. For most fungal skin infections, treatment typically lasts between two and six weeks. If symptoms have not improved after two weeks, or if they worsen at any point during treatment, consult your GP.
Do not continue using Daktarin Cream for prolonged periods without consulting your healthcare provider.
Is Daktarin Cream a steroid?
Daktarin Cream is not a steroid. It belongs to a group of medicines called imidazole antifungals, which work differently from corticosteroid creams such as hydrocortisone. If your condition requires both an antifungal and a steroid, your GP may recommend a combination product such as Daktacort, which contains both miconazole and hydrocortisone.
Can you use Daktarin Cream on your face?
Daktarin Cream may be applied to the face if directed by your GP to treat a diagnosed fungal infection, such as ringworm. However, it should not be used on the face as a treatment for acne. While some types of acne-like breakouts can be caused by a fungal overgrowth (sometimes referred to as fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis), this requires a clinical diagnosis before treatment. If you suspect you have a fungal skin condition on your face, speak to your GP for advice.
Can you use Daktarin Cream for thrush?
Daktarin Cream contains miconazole, which is active against the Candida yeast that causes thrush. It can be used to treat skin-level thrush (cutaneous candidiasis) in areas such as the groin, under the breasts or in skin folds.
However, to treat genital thrush, an internal treatment such as a Canesten (Clotrimazole) pessary, Canesten (Clotrimazole) internal cream or Fluconazole oral capsule should be used, as Daktarin Cream is designed for external skin application only.
Can you buy Daktarin Cream over the counter?
Yes, Daktarin 2% Cream is classified as a pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK. This means it is available without a prescription but must be purchased from a registered pharmacy or a registered online pharmacy such as Pharmica after completing a short consultation questionnaire.
What is the difference between Daktarin Cream and Daktarin Gold?
Daktarin Cream and Daktarin Gold are different products with different active ingredients. Daktarin 2% Cream contains miconazole nitrate, whilst Daktarin Gold contains ketoconazole 2%. Both are antifungal treatments, but ketoconazole may be preferred for certain conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis. Your GP can advise which product is more suitable for your specific condition.
What is Daktarin Aktiv?
Daktarin Aktiv is a separate product in the Daktarin range that is specifically formulated for athlete's foot. It is available as both a cream and a spray powder. Like Daktarin 2% Cream, Daktarin Aktiv contains miconazole as its active ingredient, but may be preferred for athlete's foot due to its formulation, which can help keep the feet dry.