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" What are\u00A0Daktacort cream and ointment used for?  Inflamed skin disorders, such as eczema or dermatitis, with associated fungal or bacterial infection. Infection and inflammation between folds of skin or areas of skin that rub together, eg between the buttocks or thighs, or beneath the breasts (intertrigo, sometimes known as sweat rash). Fungal skin infections, when rapid relief from the symptoms of inflammation, such as itching, is also needed.  The hydrocortisone reduces the inflammation while the miconazole treats the fungal\u00A0infection.Once the inflammation is reduced (usually after about seven days) your doctor may prescribe a medicine containing just an antifungal, eg Daktarin cream or Daktarin powder to treat any remaining infection. Daktacort cream may be more suitable for moist, weeping areas of skin, while the thicker, more greasy ointment may be more suitable for dry or scaly areas of skin. How do\u00A0Daktacort cream and ointment\u00A0work? Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine called a topical\u00A0corticosteroid (or steroid).\u00A0These medicines reduce\u00A0inflammation in the skin by preventing the release of inflammatory\u00A0substances from the skin\u00A0cells. These substances\u00A0are important in the immune system, and are released as a result of allergy or irritation. They cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area of skin becoming red, swollen and\u00A0itchy, as is seen in dermatitis or eczema. By decreasing the release of these inflammatory substances\u00A0in the skin, hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and relieves itching. There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids applied to the skin. Hydrocortisone is classed as a mild corticosteroid. Miconazole is an antifungal medicine. It kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by preventing fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is a component of fungal cell membranes. The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. Without ergosterol as part of the cell membrane, the membrane is weakened and damaged, and essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection. Miconazole also has some antibacterial action and kills certain bacteria that may also be present in the infection. How do I use Daktacort cream and ointment?  Wash and dry the skin thoroughly before applying the cream or ointment.  Daktacort cream or ointment should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s) of skin twice daily. Rub it in\u00A0gently. Take care to avoid getting the cream or ointment in the eyes, nose or mouth. Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs. Wash your hands after application, unless the hands are the area being treated. Consult your doctor if the infection spreads, or if after seven days of treatment with this medicine there is little or no improvement in your symptoms. You may need to stop using this medicine and use steroid-free Daktarin, or take a course of antibiotics or antifungals by mouth.   Important information about\u00A0Daktacort cream and ointment  This medicine is for external use on the affected area(s) of skin only. Never use Daktacort as a moisturiser. You should not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages or other dressings (including babies nappies) unless directed by your doctor, as these will enhance the absorption of the medicine into the body and may increase the risk of side effects. If corticosteroids are used for long periods of time, on large areas of skin, delicate areas of skin such as the face, or raw or broken skin, they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children, elderly people and on large areas of skin.  Daktacort cream and ointment can damage certain synthetic materials. You should wear cotton clothing if the treated area of skin will come into contact with your clothes. Daktacort cream and ointment can also damage latex products such as condoms or diaphragms (caps) and so make them ineffective at preventing pregnancy and STIs. Take care that the cream or ointment doesn&amp;#039;t come into contact with these products. Daktacort cream should be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8\u00BAC. Daktacort ointment can be kept at room temperature (at or below 25\u00BAC). Both should kept safely out of the reach of children.  Daktacort cream and ointment should not be used on areas of skin affected by  Viral skin infections such as chickenpox, shingles, cold sores or genital herpes. Skin infections caused by Gram-negative types of bacteria.  Tuberculosis infection of the skin.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Daktacort cream and ointment should be used with caution in  Children. Do not use this medicine on large areas of a child&amp;#039;s skin or underneath a nappy unless directed to by your doctor.  Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.  This medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.  Possible side effects of\u00A0Daktacort cream and ointment Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.  Irritation in area of use, for example burning, stinging, itching, redness, rash. Stop using the cream or ointment and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have a severe reaction to it.   If hydrocortisone is used for longer than two to four weeks, under airtight dressings or on large areas of skin (more than 10% of the body surface), the following side effects are also possible:   Thinning of the skin.  Decrease in skin pigmentation.  Acne.  Increased hair growth.  Stretch marks.  Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia).   Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of this medicine. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the\u00A0yellow card website? Can\u00A0I use Daktacort with other medicines? Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.  Hydrocortisone and miconazole are unlikely to be absorbed through the skin in sufficient amounts to affect other medicines that you are taking by mouth. However, if you are taking warfarin to prevent blood clots, there is a very small chance that miconazole applied to the skin may enhance the effect of the warfarin. If you are taking warfarin your doctor may want to monitor your blood-clotting time (INR) during and after a course of this medicine. If you are using other topical medicines or moisturisers on the same area of skin it is recommended that you leave about 30\u00A0minutes between applying each product. This is to allow each product time to be absorbed and avoid them mixing or diluting on the skin.  Other medicines containing the same active ingredients   Daktacort hydrocortisone cream\u00A0(available to buy from pharmacies).  Miconazole and hydrocortisone creams and ointments are also available separately. For example Daktarin cream\u00A0contains just\u00A0miconazole and\u00A0Lanacort cream and ointment\u00A0contains just hydrocortisone.  Last updated 31.03.2014 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-and-hair/a6503/daktacort-cream-and-ointment-hydrocortisone-miconazole/>