You get pimples when your hair follicles and pores become clogged with skin oil and dead skin cells. Such a blockage creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow in, creating 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 the infected pimples heal faster, but can irritate your skin if used incorrectly. Fusidic acid can help treat certain types of pimples, but is not specifically intended to fight acne.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: How to properly apply fusidic acid
Step 1. Wash the pimple with warm water and a soft washcloth
This helps to clean and open the pores.
- Use a mild soap without oil to avoid irritating your skin.
- If the pimple is very swollen, it may pop if you wash it with warm water. There may be a little pus coming out. If this happens, continue to gently wash the area until the pus is gone.
- Don't scrub your skin. The already inflamed skin will then become irritated.
Step 2. Dry your skin with a clean towel
This will make it easier for you to apply the medicine to the affected area.
This is important because the cream can irritate the skin if you apply it where it is not needed
Step 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
Step 4. Apply the cream on the infected pimple
The drug 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.
- Apply the medicine to the pimple with a clean finger or sterile cotton swab.
- Use just a pea-sized blob and rub it into the skin until you can no longer see it.
- Wash your hands afterwards to prevent the medicine 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: Using Fusidic Acid with Care
Step 1. Ask your doctor for advice if you want to use the product and are pregnant or breast-feeding
Also, talk to your doctor before using the drug on a young child or baby.
Step 2. Be careful when applying fusidic acid
Make sure you only apply the product to the pimple.
- Be careful not to get the medicine in your eyes when applying it to your face.
- Do not swallow the medicine and keep it out of the reach of small children.
- Do not apply the drug on mucous membranes as in your mouth and on your genitals.
Step 3. Know the possible side effects
Side effects are uncommon, but if you do experience any side effects, stop using the drug immediately and seek medical attention. Possible side effects include:
- Irritation where the product is 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.
Step 4. Do not use fusidic acid if you are allergic to it
Know what ingredients the cream has. Seek immediate medical attention if you have the symptoms of an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swollen face and throat, skin rash, hives, etc.).
- 2% fusidic acid (active ingredient)
- Other ingredients include butyl hydroxyanisole (E320), cetyl alcohol, glycerin, liquid paraffin, polysorbate-60, potassium sorbate, purified water, α-tocopherol acetate, hydrochloric acid, and white soft paraffin.
- In particular, butylhydroxyanisole (E320), cetyl alcohol and potassium sorbate can cause itchy rashes and inflammation where you apply the product. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking the drug and ask your doctor for advice.