Daktarin Cream

Daktarin Cream is an antifungal cream containing miconazole 2% that treats fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and thrush of the skin.

  • Kills the fungus (and some bacteria) causing the infection
  • For athlete’s foot, ringworm, sweat rash and other fungal skin infections
  • Apply a thin layer twice a day, and keep using it for about a week after the skin clears
  • Antifungal only – it does not contain a steroid

£9.99

Daktarin Cream

Daktarin Cream is a medicated antifungal cream that treats fungal infections of the skin. Its active ingredient, miconazole nitrate 2%, kills the fungi (and some of the bacteria) responsible for infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and thrush of the skin. Unlike Daktacort, Daktarin does not contain a steroid - it is a pure antifungal.

What is Daktarin cream?

Daktarin is a pharmacy (P) medicine containing miconazole nitrate 2%, an imidazole antifungal. It works by damaging the membrane of the fungal cells so they cannot grow or survive, and it also has some activity against the bacteria that can accompany a fungal infection.

What is Daktarin cream used for?

Daktarin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails, including:

  • Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
  • Ringworm (tinea corporis) and jock itch (tinea cruris)
  • Sweat rash and thrush of the skin in skin folds
  • Other fungal skin infections, and fungal nail infections

Daktarin cream is for the skin. It is not used for vaginal or oral thrush - those need a different product, so ask your pharmacist.

How does Daktarin cream work?

The miconazole in Daktarin stops the fungus making the substances it needs for its cell membrane. This kills the fungus and clears the infection, while its mild antibacterial action helps with any bacteria that are also present.

How to use Daktarin cream

  • Wash and dry the affected area of skin.
  • Apply a thin layer of cream and rub it in gently, twice a day (morning and night).
  • Keep using it for at least 7 days after the skin looks better, to make sure the infection is fully cleared and does not come back.
  • For athlete’s foot, treat both feet and dry carefully between the toes.
  • Wash your hands after applying, unless you are treating your hands.

How long does Daktarin take to work?

Many people see an improvement within a week or two, but fungal infections need treating beyond the point where the skin looks clear. Athlete’s foot and ringworm usually need 2 to 4 weeks of treatment in total. If there is no improvement after 2 weeks, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Side effects of Daktarin cream

Daktarin is usually well tolerated. Occasionally it can cause mild burning, stinging, redness or irritation where it is applied. Rarely, it may cause an allergic skin reaction - stop using it and seek advice if this happens. A full list of side effects is in the patient information leaflet.

Daktarin vs Daktacort

Both creams contain the antifungal miconazole, but Daktacort also contains a mild steroid (hydrocortisone) to calm inflammation. Choose plain Daktarin for a straightforward fungal infection; Daktacort is better when the skin is also red, sore and inflamed. If you are not sure which you need, ask your pharmacist.

Who should take care with Daktarin

Check with your pharmacist or doctor before using Daktarin if you:

  • Are allergic to miconazole or any of the ingredients
  • Take warfarin or other anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicines - miconazole can increase their effect, even when used on the skin
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Avoid getting the cream in your eyes. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

Buy Daktarin cream online

Order Daktarin 2% antifungal cream from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy, with discreet delivery. If you are not sure whether Daktarin is right for your skin problem, our pharmacy team is happy to advise - customerservice@buryhealthcareonline.co.uk or 0161 222 1024.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If your symptoms do not improve, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Daktarin cream FAQs

What is Daktarin cream used for?
Daktarin treats fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, sweat rash and thrush of the skin. It is for the skin only - not for vaginal or oral thrush.
Is Daktarin a steroid cream?
No. Daktarin contains only the antifungal miconazole - it does not contain a steroid. If your skin is also inflamed, Daktacort (which adds a mild steroid) may suit you better; ask your pharmacist.
What is the difference between Daktarin and Daktacort?
Both contain the antifungal miconazole, but Daktacort also contains a mild steroid (hydrocortisone) to reduce inflammation. Use Daktarin for a plain fungal infection and Daktacort when the skin is also red and inflamed.
How do you use Daktarin cream?
Wash and dry the area, then apply a thin layer twice a day and rub it in gently. Keep using it for at least a week after the skin looks clear so the infection does not come back.
How long does Daktarin take to work?
Many people improve within a week or two, but athlete's foot and ringworm usually need 2 to 4 weeks of treatment in total. See your pharmacist if there is no improvement after 2 weeks.
Can you use Daktarin cream on your face?
Daktarin can be used on the skin, but avoid the eyes. If a facial rash is not clearly a fungal infection, check with your pharmacist or doctor before treating it.
Can Daktarin treat ringworm?
Yes. Daktarin is effective against ringworm and other fungal skin infections. Treat the area and the skin around it, and keep going for about a week after it clears.
Can you use Daktarin if you take warfarin?
Tell your pharmacist if you take warfarin or another blood thinner. Miconazole can increase the effect of warfarin even when applied to the skin, so you may need extra monitoring.

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