Fungal Infections with Inflammation
Some fungal skin infections present with significant inflammation alongside the infection itself — causing intense itching, redness, and irritation. In these cases, a combination product containing both an antifungal agent and a mild corticosteroid can be more effective than either ingredient alone.
Daktacort cream contains miconazole nitrate 2% (antifungal) and hydrocortisone 1% (mild steroid). Canesten HC contains clotrimazole 1% and hydrocortisone 1%. These combination products are Pharmacy (P) medicines and require pharmacist supervision due to the steroid component and important drug interactions.
Fungal skin infections with associated inflammation — including inflamed athlete's foot, fungal infections of the groin (tinea cruris), and inflamed skin fold infections.
- Itching and burning
- Redness and inflammation
- Skin that is sore to touch
- Fungal rash with irritation
- Groin or skin fold infection
- Inflamed athlete's foot
Miconazole (in Daktacort and similar creams) can significantly increase the effect of warfarin even when applied topically to the skin.
If you are taking warfarin or any other blood-thinning medicine, you must disclose this in your consultation.
Our pharmacist will contact you before dispatch if this applies to you.
This interaction can cause dangerous bleeding and is a serious safety concern.
Combination Antifungal-Steroid Creams
We stock Daktacort cream (miconazole + hydrocortisone), Canesten HC cream (clotrimazole + hydrocortisone), and similar combination products. These are appropriate for confirmed or strongly suspected fungal infections where significant inflammation is also present.
These products must not be used for more than 7 days. The steroid component (hydrocortisone) can cause skin thinning with prolonged use. If symptoms persist after 7 days, consult your GP.
Why Do I Need a Pharmacist Consultation?
Combination antifungal-steroid creams require particularly careful pharmacist review because of the significant drug interaction between miconazole and warfarin. Even topical miconazole can dangerously potentiate the effects of warfarin and certain diabetes medicines. Our consultation specifically checks for these interactions.
The consultation also confirms a fungal infection is present or strongly suspected — the steroid component should not be used on non-fungal inflammatory conditions. Bury Healthcare Online is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC No. 1126145).
Antifungal-Steroid Cream Pharmacy Consultation
Reviewed personally by our GPhC-registered pharmacist