Difloderm Cream 1/10mg Cream

Diflucortolone valerate and isoconazole nitrate cream is used at the start of treatment for fungal skin infections that come with strong inflammation or eczema-like skin, for example between the toes or fingers, on the hands, or in the groin and genital area.

• Isoconazole nitrate is an antifungal. It acts against many fungi and yeasts that infect the skin, and against the germ that causes erythrasma.
• Diflucortolone valerate is a corticosteroid (steroid). It calms redness, swelling and itching.

They are combined so the infection is treated while the inflamed skin settles. It is meant for the first stage of treatment and is stopped once the inflammation has settled, as your doctor advises.

Use the cream exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, and only on the skin.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin, usually twice a day, unless told otherwise.
• Between toes or fingers, a strip of gauze with cream can be placed in the space.
• Do not cover with tight dressings unless your doctor advises it.
• If used on the face, keep it away from your eyes.
• If you forget an application, do not use extra cream to make up for it.
• Stop when your doctor says the inflammation has cleared; check with them before stopping early.

Change towels, socks and underwear daily and dry the skin well to help prevent re-infection.

Possible side effects where the cream is applied include:

• irritation or burning
• dryness or redness
• itching or small blisters

Using it on large areas or for more than about 4 weeks can cause thinning of the skin, stretch marks or acne-like spots, and the steroid may be absorbed into the body.

Tell your doctor straight away if you have:

• blurred vision or other eyesight changes
• skin that gets worse, which could mean an allergy or a new infection
• red, burning, peeling skin spreading beyond the treated area after stopping

Do not use it if you are allergic to either ingredient, or on skin affected by tuberculosis, syphilis, chickenpox, shingles or other viral infections, rosacea, a rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis) or skin reactions after a vaccine. Check with your doctor first if you:

• have ever had glaucoma
• have a bacterial skin infection as well (you may need extra treatment)
• need to use it on a large area or for a long time
• want to use it on a child (there is little information on use in children)

Do not restart the cream for a flare-up without asking your doctor.

Store at or below 25°C, and keep out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: the approved leaflet advises not to use this cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is little safety information. Never apply it to the breast while breastfeeding, as the baby could swallow it.

For skin use only: do not swallow it and keep it away from your eyes.