What is Daktacort?

Daktacort is a pharmacy-only (P) medicine that combines two active ingredients:

Miconazole nitrate (2%) – an antifungal that kills fungi and yeasts.
Hydrocortisone (1%) – a mild corticosteroid that reduces redness, itching, and inflammation.

This dual action treats the fungal infection itself and quickly calms irritation, swelling, or soreness.

It comes as a smooth cream that is easy to apply to affected skin folds, feet, or other areas.

What is Daktacort Used For?

Daktacort is suitable for adults with mild, inflamed fungal skin infections, including:

Athlete’s foot with redness or itching
Intertrigo (sweat rash) in skin folds such as under the breasts or between the thighs
Ringworm where the rash is inflamed
Irritated fungal rashes in the groin (jock itch)
Note: Daktacort is not intended for long-term use or for large areas of skin.
For widespread or recurrent infections, see a GP for assessment.

How Daktacort Works

Daktacort tackles infection and inflammation in two ways:

Stops fungal growth: Miconazole blocks ergosterol production in fungal cell walls, causing the fungi to die.
Reduces inflammation: Hydrocortisone calms the body’s inflammatory response, easing redness, itching, and swelling.
This combination both relieves discomfort fast and clears the infection at its source.

When to Use Daktacort

Use Daktacort when you have signs of a mild fungal infection with irritation, such as:

Itchy, red patches in skin folds
Cracked, peeling skin between toes
A ring-shaped rash that feels sore or inflamed

If symptoms are severe, spreading, or not improving after 7 days, seek advice from a GP or pharmacist.

Can Daktacort Be Purchased Over the Counter?

Yes. Daktacort is a pharmacy-only medicine in the UK and can be bought after a brief consultation with a pharmacist or via a regulated online pharmacy.

Your pharmacist will check the location of the rash and ensure the product is appropriate.

Directions: How to Use Daktacort

Clean and Dry: Gently wash and carefully dry the affected skin.

Apply a Thin Layer: Use a small amount to cover the affected area twice daily (morning and evening).

Do Not Cover Tightly: Use loose clothing; avoid airtight dressings unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Duration: Use for no more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor. If you need longer treatment, you may be switched to a plain antifungal cream.

Wash Hands: Wash hands after each application.

Missed a dose? Apply as soon as you remember, but do not double the next dose.

Daktacort Ingredients

Active ingredients:Miconazole nitrate 2%, Hydrocortisone 1%

Inactive ingredients (may vary): Liquid paraffin, macrogol stearate, white soft paraffin, and other standard cream bases.

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the complete list of ingredients, and to check for any you might be allergic to.

Daktacort Side Effects & Safety Advice

Common (usually mild):

Slight burning or stinging where applied
Mild skin dryness or itching

Less common:

Thinning of the skin if used for more than 7 days or over large areas

Serious – Seek urgent medical help (GP, NHS 111, or A&E):

Severe blistering or swelling
Local allergic reaction (rash, hives)
Sudden difficulty breathing or facial swelling (signs of severe allergy)
Worsening of the infection after a few days of treatment

• Stop treatment and get medical advice if the rash worsens, spreads, or fails to improve within 7 days.
• Avoid using on the face, eyes, broken skin, or for more than one week unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
• If you notice signs of infection spreading (fever, pus, expanding redness), seek medical help promptly.