How to Treat Pimples with Fucidin

Co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: May 15, 2024 Fact Checked

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.

Part 1

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Applying Fucidin Correctly

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Before applying any cream to your pimple, make sure that your hands are completely clean and dry.^{[1]
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Open the tube of Fucidin cream. Remove the cap and use the spike on the cap to break the seal.^{[2]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

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- 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.
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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]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source} 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.

Part 2

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Knowing How to Handle Fucidin Cream Carefully

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Similarly, do not use it on a young child or infant without discussing it with your doctor first.^{[4]
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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.
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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]
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- Irritation where it has been applied—symptoms may include pain, burning, and, itching
- Rashes
- More severe skin eczema
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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]
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- 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.

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Question

How do I know if my pimples are healing with the Fucidin cream?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
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.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

You will start to see less redness and bumps/pimples first. You should notice less breakouts and smoother skin in time.

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Question

Is an expired tube of Fucidin harmful to use, or does it just not have the same results?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
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.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

Do 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.

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Question

I 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, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
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.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

If 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.

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