Daktacort cream is used for the treatment of fungal infections targetting both the source of the infection and relieving the associated irritation and inflammation in just 7 days.
This medication can only be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy or an online pharmacy like Now Patient. Daktacort is classed as a P (Pharmacy Medication) which means it can be purchased under the supervision of a pharmacist without a prescription.
Let’s take a deeper look at how Daktacort works and what it is used to treat.
What does Daktacort treat?
- Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis): This infection affects the feet, particularly the spaces between the toes, causing itching, redness, scaling, and sometimes blisters
- Inflamed sweat rash: This is a fungal skin infection that mainly affects the groin area, under the breasts, and underarms causing itchy skin
Do not use Daktacort to treat ringworm unless directed to by a doctor, as it can worsen the condition. Eczema and dermatitis can be treated with Daktacort under the guidance of a doctor.
What does Daktacort contain?
This product contains two active ingredients:
- Miconazole nitrate
- Hydrocortisone acetate
Daktacort cream also contains liquid paraffin, butylhydroxyanisole, purified water, macrogol 6-32 stearate, oleoyl macrogolglycerides and benzoic acid.
It is important to know that some of these other ingredients can cause reactions. Benzoic acid may increase jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in newborn babies (up to 4 weeks old) and butylated hydroxyanisole (E320), which can irritate the skin, eyes and mucosal membranes.
How does Daktacort cream work?
Miconazole
Miconazole is an imidazole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of fungi that cause infection and blocking the production of ergosterol, an important part of the fungal cell membrane.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid (steroid) used to reduce inflammation. It has anti-inflammatory properties, so when it is applied to the skin it reduces inflammation, swelling and other symptoms associated with skin irritation.
How do you apply Daktacort cream?
- Wash the infected area and dry it well
- Apply a small amount of the cream to the affected area and rub it in gently until the cream has disappeared
- Daktacort cream should be applied to the infected and surrounding areas of skin only
- Unless your doctor tells you differently, apply a small amount of Daktacort Cream to the affected area 2 or 3 times each day
- Wash your hands carefully after applying the cream to avoid spreading the infection to other parts of the body or other people
- Use a separate hand towel for your use to prevent the spreading of the infection
Store in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.
Precautions to using Daktacort hydrocortisone cream
- Do not use on cold sores, acne, herpes, chicken pox or shingles
- Do not use on the genital or anal area
- Do not use on skin conditions for the face, eyes or mucous membranes
- Do not use on ringworm unless directed by a doctor
- Do not use it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients
- Do not use on affected area for more than 7 days
- Do not use on broken skin, under dressings or baby’s nappies
- Do not use this medication if you are currently using a barrier method of contraception such as condoms or diaphragms as their effectiveness may be reduced
Daktacort side effects
Using Daktacort cream can have side effects, although they are usually mild and pass in a few days.

Clotrimazole Pessary
From £21.65
Canesten
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Diflucan
From £17.99
Fluconazole
From £8.83
Clotrimazole
From £14.84
Canesten HC
From £17.99Side effects can include:
- Skin irritation
- Dry skin
- Skin discolouration
- Thinning of skin
- Allergic reactions
If you experience any serious side effects such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing stop using the medication and seek medical attention immediately. Before starting any medication speak to your healthcare provider and read the patient information leaflet provided.
Use of Daktacort HC cream during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further information before using this medication if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or are planning a pregnancy.
Can I get Daktacort from an online pharmacy?
You can buy Daktacort safely and securely from us at NowPatient. You can start a free consultation today; if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
During the consultation, we can discuss whether Daktacort is a suitable treatment option for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription, which can then be ordered, paid for, and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Sources
About NowPatient's Editorial Process
- Written by clinical authors
- Reviewed every 2 years
- Conflicts of interest declared
NowPatient's medical content is selected by a panel of practising clinicians (pharmacists, doctors and allied healthcare professionals) and researched by an in-house team of writers who all hold scientific or clinical backgrounds. Sponsorship and conflicts of interest are openly declared.
Every article is peer-reviewed by a clinician for clinical accuracy, evidence base and accessibility, including consideration of the particular characteristics set out in the UK Equality Act 2010. Only then is it released for publication against fixed placement guidelines.
All content is cycle reviewed (typically every two years) and updated sooner if evidence, guidelines or a complaint require it. Changes follow a formal change control procedure and are reflected in the "last updated" date on each article. NowPatient is governed by MiHealth; UK pharmacy services are provided by MiHealth Pharmacy (GPhC 1036487).



































