Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Applying fusidic acid properly
• Part 2 of 2: Use fusidic acid with caution
• Warnings

You get breakouts when your hair follicles and pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Such a blockage provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow in, causing a large, red and painful pimple. Fusidic acid (available by prescription under the brand names Fucidin and Affusine) is an antibiotic cream that kills bacteria and helps infected blemishes heal faster, but can irritate your skin if you use the cream incorrectly. Fusidic acid can help treat certain types of blemishes, but it is not specifically intended to treat acne.

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Part 1 of 2: Applying fusidic acid properly

1. Wash the pimple with warm water and a soft washcloth. This helps to cleanse and open the pores.
   • Use a mild soap without oil to avoid irritating your skin.
   • If the pimple is very swollen, it may pop when you wash it with warm water. A little pus may come out. If this happens, keep washing the area gently until the pus is gone.
   • Don't scrub your skin. The already inflamed skin will then become irritated.
2. Dry your skin with a clean towel. This will make it easier to apply the medicine to the area in question.
   • This is important because the cream can irritate the skin if you apply it in areas where it is not necessary.
3. Open the tube of fusidic acid. Twist off the cap and use the sharp point on the cap to break the seal.
   • If you have a new tube, unscrew the cap and check if the seal is broken before doing this yourself. If the seal is already broken, return the tube and get a new one.
4. Apply the cream on the infected pimple. The medicine should be applied three or four times a day unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Continue to use the medicine until the pimple has healed.
   • Smear the medicine into the pimple with a clean finger or sterile cotton swab.
   • Just use a pea-sized blob and rub it into the skin until you can no longer see it.
   • Wash your hands afterwards to prevent the medication from irritating the skin on your hands.
   • Do not apply fusidic acid to areas that are not infected, as it can cause irritation there.

Part 2 of 2: Use fusidic acid with caution

1. Ask your doctor for advice if you want to take it and are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, talk to your doctor before using it on a young child or baby.
2. Use caution when applying fusidic acid. Make sure to apply it to the pimple only.
   • Avoid getting the medicine in your eyes when you apply it to your face.
   • Do not swallow the medicine and keep it out of the reach of small children.
   • Do not apply the drug to mucous membranes such as in your mouth and on your genitals.
3. Know the possible side effects. Side effects are uncommon, but if you do experience side effects, stop taking the drug immediately and seek medical attention. Possible side effects include:
   • Irritation where the product has been applied. Symptoms include pain, burning, stinging, itching, redness, rash, eczema, hives, swelling and blisters.
   • Conjunctivitis
   • You should be able to drive normally when using this drug topically.
4. Do not use fusidic acid if you are allergic to it. Know what ingredients the cream has. Get medical help right away if you have the symptoms of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swollen face and throat, rash, hives, etc.).
   • 2% fusidic acid (active ingredient)
   • Other ingredients include butyl hydroxyanisole (E320), cetyl alcohol, glycerine, liquid paraffin, polysorbate-60, potassium sorbate, purified water, α-tocopherol acetate, hydrochloric acid and white soft paraffin.
   • Butyl hydroxyanisole (E320), cetyl alcohol and potassium sorbate, in particular, can cause itchy rashes and inflammation where you apply it. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking the medicine and seek advice from your doctor.

Warnings

• Know that fusidic acid is not actually intended to treat blemishes. This is considered off-label use. Talk to your doctor if you want to use fusidic acid in this way.