The Difference Between Red and Orange Fucidin

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A quick guide to the difference between Fucidin Red and Orange and how to choose the right Fucidin cream.

What is Fucidin Cream?

Fucidin is an antibiotic used on the skin. It contains fusidic acid at a two‑percent concentration and works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria that cause mild, superficial infections such as impetigo, folliculitis, and infected superficial wounds. It may also be used in infected eczema after professional evaluation.

Fucidin does not treat viral infections such as herpes, nor fungal infections such as ringworm. It is also not a primary acne treatment; it may be prescribed only if a secondary bacterial infection is present.

The Difference Between Red and Orange Fucidin

Consumers often call the cream “the red one,” and the ointment “the orange one.” The active ingredient is the same in both; the difference is only in the base: the cream is light and fast‑absorbing, while the ointment is greasier and forms a protective film on the skin.

How should I choose?

Choose the cream when the area is large, when applying to the face, or when the lesion is weeping.

Choose the ointment when the skin is dry, the area is small, or when a dressing will be applied over the area.

Red Fucidin:

Active ingredient: fusidic acid at two percent in a light cream base.

Uses: limited superficial bacterial skin infections such as localized impetigo, folliculitis, superficial wound infections, and some cases of infected eczema upon professional assessment.

Typical application: apply a thin layer three times daily for a short duration. For localized impetigo, guidelines typically recommend a duration of around five days.

Warnings: avoid using on large areas or for long periods; avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.

Orange Fucidin:

Active ingredient: fusidic acid at two percent as well, but in a greasy ointment base.

Uses: essentially the same as the cream because the active ingredient is the same. The ointment helps when we need the product to stay longer or to provide a barrier for dry skin.

Practical note: the ointment may look shiny on the face and hands, so many people prefer the cream in these areas.

Important Note About “Fucidin with Cortisone” (Fucidin H)

• Fucidin H is different from the orange ointment.
• It combines fusidic acid at two percent with hydrocortisone at one percent.
• It is often used for infected eczema, usually twice daily for a short course of a few days.
• Avoid using it around the eyes and the face as much as possible, and do not use for acne, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis.
• Always consult a doctor before using any topical steroid.

When should I use Red Fucidin?

• When a doctor or pharmacist recommends a topical antibiotic for a limited superficial bacterial infection.
• When you need a light, fast‑absorbing base, especially on the face or over larger areas.
• After minor skin procedures, if mild signs of infection appear, only after professional advice.

When should I use Orange Fucidin?

• When the skin is dry or the area is small and needs a protective barrier.
• When a medical dressing is applied, the ointment base helps it stay in place longer.
• The same short‑duration guidance that applies to the cream also applies to the ointment.

Can Red and Orange Fucidin be used together?

There is usually no need to combine them because they contain the same active ingredient. Choose the format that suits your skin and the affected area. If you do not notice improvement within five to seven days, consult a doctor for reassessment.

Fucidin Alternatives Available in Kuwait (Updated)

Commonly available antiseptics: povidone‑iodine ten percent (e.g., Betadine) for skin cleansing before dressings and for very minor cases.

Topical fusidic acid in different forms (cream/ointment) — widely available in Kuwaiti pharmacies.

Summary

The red product is a cream, the orange product is an ointment, and both contain fusidic acid at two percent. We choose the cream for large areas and the face, and the ointment for dry skin, small areas, or under dressings. Keep the duration short—usually only a few days—and see a doctor if there is no clear improvement. As for combinations with cortisone, like Fucidin H or Fucicort, they have specific indications and must be used under medical supervision.

Trusted Sources

• NHS – How and when to use fusidic acid
• NICE NG 153 – Impetigo: antimicrobial prescribing
• DermNet NZ – Topical fusidic acid
• Fucidin H – Patient leaflet (fusidic acid with hydrocortisone)
• Fucicort – Data sheet (fusidic acid with betamethasone)

Reference links:

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