Daktarin Gold 2% Cream 15g

What is Daktarin Gold 2% Cream 15g?

Daktarin Gold is an antifungal cream containing ketoconazole 2%. It is licensed for adults to treat three fungal skin infections: athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch in the groin (tinea cruris), and candidal intertrigo, the sore red rash that yeast can cause in warm skin folds such as under the breasts or between the buttocks. It is a pharmacy medicine, so our pharmacist checks it is right for you before it is dispensed.

How does it help?

Ketoconazole is an azole antifungal. It blocks an enzyme the fungus needs to build its cell membrane, so the membrane leaks and the fungus dies. Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and the area around it once or twice a day. Groin and skin-fold infections usually clear in two to four weeks and athlete's foot in four to six; keep using it for a few days after the skin looks normal so the infection does not return.

Key benefits

• Licensed for three common fungal skin infections with one cream
• Once- or twice-daily application fits easily into a routine
• Very little ketoconazole is absorbed through the skin
• A small 15g tube is convenient for a course on a limited area

Who should take care?

Always read the patient information leaflet before use. For adults only; it has not been studied in under-18s. Do not use if you are allergic to ketoconazole or any of the other ingredients. Keep it out of the eyes. It contains cetyl and stearyl alcohol, which can cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis, and propylene glycol, which can irritate the skin. If you have been using a steroid cream on the same area, do not stop it suddenly; ask our pharmacist how to taper it while starting Daktarin Gold. If the rash has not improved after four weeks, stop and see your GP so the diagnosis can be checked.