Daktarin Gold (Ketoconazole) 2% Cream - 15g

What Is Daktarin Gold Cream and How Does It Treat Fungal Infections?

Daktarin Gold cream is an over-the-counter antifungal treatment containing ketoconazole 2% as its active ingredient. It is specifically licensed in the UK for the treatment of athlete's foot (tinea pedis) — a common fungal infection that causes itching, scaling, and discomfort between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Athlete's foot is surprisingly widespread; the NHS notes that it is one of the most common fungal infections in the UK, affecting people of all ages. If you've been dealing with persistent itching or peeling skin on your feet, this cream could be exactly what you need. You can browse the full range of treatments in our athletes foot and fungal infections collection if you'd like to compare your options.

Each 15g tube contains ketoconazole at a 2% concentration, formulated as a smooth, easy-to-apply cream. It is applied once daily, which makes it a practical choice for people with busy routines. Unlike some older antifungal creams that require twice-daily application, the once-daily dosing schedule of this product helps you stay consistent with treatment — and consistency is key when it comes to clearing fungal infections properly.

How Does Ketoconazole Work Against Fungal Infections?

Ketoconazole belongs to a class of medicines called azole antifungals. It works by targeting the fungal cell membrane — specifically by inhibiting an enzyme called lanosterol 14α-demethylase, which fungi need to produce ergosterol. Ergosterol is essentially the structural backbone of a fungal cell membrane. Without it, the membrane becomes leaky and unstable, and the fungal cells can no longer survive or replicate.

• Ketoconazole inhibits ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell membrane
• This disrupts membrane integrity, causing the fungal cells to die
• The cream acts locally on the skin surface, minimising systemic absorption
• It is effective against dermatophytes — the fungi responsible for athlete's foot

Because it works directly at the site of infection, systemic side effects are rare when used topically. This makes it a well-tolerated option for most adults.

Who Is Daktarin Gold Cream Suitable For?

This cream is suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over who have a confirmed or suspected fungal skin infection, particularly athlete's foot. It is available without a prescription, so you can purchase it directly from a pharmacy or online without needing to see a GP first. That said, if you're unsure whether your symptoms are caused by a fungal infection, it's always worth checking with a pharmacist before starting treatment.

• Adults aged 18 and over with athlete's foot
• Young people aged 12–17 (under pharmacist or medical guidance)
• People who prefer a once-daily topical treatment
• Those who have not responded to other antifungal creams

It is not suitable for children under 12, and caution is advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always read the patient information leaflet before use.

How Does Daktarin Gold Compare to Other Antifungal Creams?

How Should You Store Daktarin Gold Cream?

Store your tube of daktarin gold cream below 25°C, away from direct heat and sunlight. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children at all times. Do not use the cream after the expiry date printed on the tube or carton. If you're looking for other topical treatments for skin conditions, our creams and ointments collection has a wide range of options to explore.

Do not freeze the cream, and avoid storing it in the bathroom where humidity can affect the formulation. Once opened, use within the period indicated on the packaging.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Daktarin Gold Cream and What Is It Used For?

Daktarin Gold (Ketoconazole) 2% Cream is a topical antifungal medicine used to treat athlete's foot, known medically as tinea pedis. It contains ketoconazole, an azole antifungal agent that kills the dermatophyte fungi responsible for this infection. The NHS describes athlete's foot as a common condition that causes itching, scaling, cracking, and sometimes blistering of the skin, particularly between the toes. This cream is applied directly to the affected skin once daily to clear the infection at its source.

It is available over the counter in the UK without a prescription, making it accessible for adults and young people aged 12 and over who need a reliable, clinically proven treatment for fungal foot infections. If you're also dealing with related foot discomfort, our foot care collection includes a range of supportive products.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Daktarin Gold Cream?

Before applying this cream, read the following carefully. There are certain situations where this product should not be used, or where extra caution is needed.

Do not use Daktarin Gold cream if you:

• Are allergic to ketoconazole or any other ingredient in the cream
• Have previously had a hypersensitivity reaction to an azole antifungal
• Are under 12 years of age
• Have broken, severely inflamed, or infected (bacterial) skin at the application site

Use with caution and speak to a pharmacist or GP if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a known skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis in the affected area
• Are using other topical medicines on the same area of skin
• Have not seen improvement after 4 weeks of treatment

Drug interactions:

• Topical ketoconazole has minimal systemic absorption, so significant drug interactions are unlikely
• If you are using other topical preparations on the same area, check with your pharmacist before combining them

How Should You Use Daktarin Gold Cream?

Always use this cream exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as directed by your pharmacist. Do not apply more than the recommended amount, and do not use it on areas of skin not affected by the fungal infection.

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the affected area before applying the cream
2. Squeeze a small amount of cream onto your fingertip
3. Apply a thin, even layer to the affected skin and the surrounding area
4. Rub in gently until fully absorbed
5. Wash your hands after application (unless your hands are the area being treated)
6. Allow the area to air dry if possible — avoid covering with tight socks or footwear immediately after application

Continue treatment for the full recommended course — typically 2 to 4 weeks — even if symptoms improve earlier. Stopping too soon can allow the infection to return.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Daktarin Gold Cream?

Like all medicines, Daktarin Gold cream can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and affect only the area of skin where the cream has been applied.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Mild burning or stinging sensation at the application site
• Skin irritation or redness
• Itching at the treated area

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Contact dermatitis (allergic skin reaction)
• Localised swelling or blistering
• Skin dryness or peeling beyond what is expected from the infection itself

Stop using the cream and seek medical advice promptly if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as widespread rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing. These reactions are rare but require immediate attention. You can also explore our skin care collection for products that may help soothe irritated skin during recovery.

How Should You Store Daktarin Gold Cream?

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Do not freeze
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube or carton
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicines to your pharmacy