• Treats both the infection and the inflammation in one application
  • Relieves redness, itching, and irritation while targeting the fungus directly
  • Effective for athlete’s foot, jock itch and infected eczema

How it works?

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Overview

When fungal infections strike, it’s not just the itching — it’s the redness, soreness, and irritation that can make life miserable. Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream offers dual relief by combining an antifungal (miconazole) to treat the cause of infection with a mild steroid (hydrocortisone) to quickly calm inflammation.

This trusted combination makes it a go-to treatment for irritated fungal infections like athlete’s foot, sweat rash, and thrush-related skin irritation. Easy to apply and effective at tackling both symptoms and cause, it helps restore comfort and clear skin fast.

This medicine requires a secure online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber, and will only be supplied if clinically appropriate.


What is Daktacort


Daktacort contains two active ingredients:

  • Miconazole – an antifungal that kills the fungi causing the infection.
  • Hydrocortisone – a mild corticosteroid that reduces redness, swelling, and itching.


By addressing both the infection and inflammation, Daktacort is especially useful for fungal rashes that are inflamed, sore, or aggravated by scratching.

Common conditions treated with Daktacort include:

  • Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
  • Sweat rash (fungal intertrigo)
  • Ringworm (tinea corporis) with inflammation
  • Irritated fungal skin infections around the groin or under skin folds

Directions

  • Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly.
  • Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin twice daily (morning and evening).
  • Use sparingly and only on the affected area — avoid covering with tight dressings unless advised.
  • Continue for up to 7 days only, unless directed otherwise by a prescriber.
  • If symptoms persist beyond a week, consult your prescriber for further advice.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Daktacort can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Temporary stinging, burning, or itching at the site of application
  • Mild dryness or irritation


Less common (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Thinning of the skin if used for prolonged periods
  • Allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, or worsening redness


Most people tolerate Daktacort well, and side effects (if they do occur) are usually mild. If you are concerned about any symptoms, or they do not improve, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or prescriber.

Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. Always read the patient information leaflet provided with your medicine for full details. If you experience severe or worrying symptoms, seek medical advice straight away. In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

Warnings

  • Do not use if allergic to miconazole, hydrocortisone, or any other ingredients.
  • Not suitable for broken skin, severe widespread infections, or viral skin conditions (like cold sores or chickenpox).
  • Avoid prolonged use (longer than 7 days) without medical advice.
  • Not generally recommended for children under 10 without prescriber guidance.
  • Safe in adults, but pregnant or breastfeeding women should confirm suitability with a prescriber.
Frequently asked questions
  • What is Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream used for?

    Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream treats inflamed fungal skin infections, such as sweat rash or infected eczema. The miconazole targets fungi while the hydrocortisone reduces redness and itching. It’s designed for short courses on irritated, inflamed patches where a simple antifungal would not be enough.

  • How does Daktacort work to treat fungal rashes?

    Daktacort combines an antifungal (miconazole) to remove the infection and a steroid (hydrocortisone) to calm inflammation. This dual action helps settle symptoms faster than antifungal-only creams when the skin is very irritated or sore. It is intended for short-term use only.

  • How often should I apply Daktacort Cream and for how long?

    Apply a thin layer twice daily for up to seven days unless advised otherwise. Daktacort is not meant for long courses because of the steroid content. If symptoms improve, switch to an antifungal-only cream to complete treatment and help prevent recurrence.

  • Can Daktacort be used on the face or groin?

    It may be used cautiously on the groin for fungal sweat rash but should usually be avoided on the face unless specifically advised by a clinician. Facial skin absorbs steroids more easily, increasing the risk of thinning and irritation.

  • What side effects can occur with Daktacort?

    Side effects are usually mild and may include stinging, dryness or temporary irritation. Overuse of the steroid component can lead to skin thinning or lightening, especially on sensitive areas. Stop treatment and review with a clinician if irritation worsens.

  • Who should not use Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream?

    Avoid use on broken, infected or acne-prone skin, and do not use it for ringworm on the scalp, nail infections or untreated bacterial infections. It is unsuitable if you are allergic to steroids or antifungals. Seek advice if pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Why is Daktacort only recommended for short-term use?

    The hydrocortisone helps quickly settle inflammation but can thin the skin if used for long periods. Once irritation improves, treatment should continue with an antifungal-only cream to fully clear the infection. This approach reduces steroid exposure while ensuring effective treatment.

  • Can Daktacort be used for athlete’s foot?

    It can help athlete’s foot when the skin is very red or inflamed, but it should only be used for a short period. After the irritation settles, switch to an antifungal-only product for full clearance. For toenails or widespread infection, different treatments may be needed.

  • Can Daktacort help with thrush-related skin irritation?

    Yes. Daktacort can be used on external fungal rashes caused by yeast, such as around skin folds. It reduces itching and soreness while treating the underlying infection. Avoid use inside the vagina or on mucosal surfaces.

  • What should I do if symptoms return after finishing Daktacort?

    Recurrence may mean the infection was not fully treated or the area remains warm or moist. Restart an antifungal-only cream and review techniques to keep the area dry. Persistent relapses may need a clinician to check for underlying causes.

  • Can I use Daktacort under dressings or plasters?

    Occlusive dressings increase steroid absorption and may raise the risk of side effects such as thinning or irritation. Avoid covering treated skin unless specifically advised by a clinician.

  • Is Daktacort suitable for children?

    Children can use Daktacort on small areas for short periods, but steroid absorption is higher in young skin. Always follow professional advice and stop if symptoms worsen or spread.

  • Can Daktacort be used alongside oral antifungals?

    Yes. In more persistent fungal infections, a clinician may recommend combining oral antifungals with short-term topical steroid-antifungal creams to settle inflammation. Always follow medical advice when combining treatments.

  • Does Daktacort help with infected eczema patches?

    Daktacort can help if eczema has become irritated with a fungal overgrowth, but it will not treat bacterial infection. If the skin is oozing, crusted or very sore, a bacterial treatment may be needed instead.

  • Can I use Daktacort during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

    Short-term use on small areas is sometimes acceptable, but you should speak to a clinician first. Avoid applying to the breasts while breastfeeding. Safer alternatives may be recommended depending on the infection type.

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