Epiderm Cream: What It Is, Uses, Ingredients & How to Use It Safely
If you grew up in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon or Congo, you have probably seen the white and green tube of Epiderm cream in someone's bathroom. It's one of the best-known “triple action” skin creams in Africa. Here's what's actually in it, what the label says it's for, how to use it correctly, and the mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Epiderm cream (by Shalina Healthcare) is a medicated combination cream with a strong steroid, an antibiotic and two antifungals. According to the manufacturer, it's meant for skin problems where inflammation and infection come together, like ringworm, athlete's foot, itchy eczema or dermatitis. It's not a moisturizer and not a lightening cream, and it's meant for short-term use on the affected area only.
What's in Epiderm cream?
Each gram of Epiderm cream contains four active ingredients, according to Shalina Healthcare:
| Ingredient | Type | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Betamethasone dipropionate (0.064%) | Strong corticosteroid | Calms redness, swelling and itching |
| Gentamicin (0.1%) | Antibiotic | Fights bacterial skin infection |
| Tolnaftate (1%) | Antifungal | Treats fungal infections like ringworm and athlete's foot |
| Clioquinol, also called iodochlorhydroxyquinoline (1%) | Antifungal and antibacterial | Adds extra protection against fungi and bacteria |
What is Epiderm cream used for?
The manufacturer lists these uses for Epiderm cream:
- Mixed bacterial and fungal skin infections
- Ringworm (tinea) and athlete's foot
- Eczema and dermatitis (seborrheic and contact) that is inflamed or infected
- Psoriasis patches
- Itching in the groin and intimate outer areas (anal and vulval itching)
Because it combines a steroid with anti-infectives, it's designed for skin that is both inflamed and infected. If you're not sure what's causing your rash, a pharmacist or doctor can tell you whether a combination cream like this is right, or whether a simpler antifungal or moisturizer would work better.
How to use Epiderm cream
- Wash the affected area gently and pat it completely dry.
- Squeeze out a small amount and rub a thin layer only onto the affected skin.
- Use it 2 to 3 times a day, or as your package or healthcare provider directs.
- Wash your hands afterward, unless you're treating your hands.
- Don't cover the area with a tight bandage or plastic unless a doctor tells you to. That makes the steroid absorb more strongly.
- Stop and see a doctor if the rash isn't better after 1 to 2 weeks, gets worse, or spreads.
Why short-term matters
Betamethasone is a potent steroid. Used for weeks or months, or over large areas, strong steroid creams can thin the skin, cause stretch marks, bruising, spots and pale or uneven patches, and they can make some infections worse. Used the right way, for a short time on the right problem, that's much less likely.
Can you use Epiderm cream on your face?
Only if a doctor tells you to. Facial skin is thin and absorbs steroids easily, so strong steroid creams on the face can cause breakouts, redness, thinning and patchy color. For pimples or dark marks on the face, look for products made for that, and ask a pharmacist or dermatologist.
Is Epiderm a skin lightening cream?
No. Epiderm is a medicated cream for skin infections and inflammation. Some people use steroid creams to lighten skin, but that's unsafe: long-term steroid use on healthy skin can cause thinning, stretch marks, acne, uneven patches and lasting damage. If dark spots or uneven tone are your concern, talk to a dermatologist about safe options.
Who should not use Epiderm cream
- Anyone allergic to any of its ingredients
- On large areas of skin, open wounds or broken skin
- Around the eyes
- On babies and young children, unless a doctor prescribes it
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless your doctor says it's okay
- On acne, rosacea, cold sores or chickenpox, where steroids can make things worse
Possible side effects
Mild burning, stinging or dryness can happen at first. Stop using it and get medical advice if you notice skin thinning, stretch marks, lighter or darker patches, spreading rash, pus or swelling. Always read the leaflet in your box.
Buy Epiderm cream
Yado African & Caribbean Market carries original Shalina Epiderm cream in our Chicago store at 1651 E 87th St and online, with shipping across the U.S.
Epiderm cream questions
What is Epiderm cream used for?
It's a triple-action cream for skin problems where inflammation and infection happen together, such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and infected or itchy eczema and dermatitis.
What are the ingredients in Epiderm cream?
Betamethasone dipropionate (a steroid), gentamicin (an antibiotic), tolnaftate (an antifungal) and clioquinol (an antifungal and antibacterial).
Is Epiderm cream good for eczema?
The label includes eczema and dermatitis, especially when the skin is inflamed or infected. For everyday eczema care, gentle moisturizers are the foundation, and steroid creams are usually used in short bursts. Ask your doctor what's right for you.
How long can I use Epiderm cream?
Use it for the shortest time that works. If there's no improvement after 1 to 2 weeks, stop and see a doctor.
What's the difference between Epiderm cream and Epiderm lotion?
They contain the same active ingredients. The lotion is thinner and easier to spread on hairy areas, and the cream suits smaller, drier patches.
Is Epiderm the same as Funbact-A?
They're both triple-action creams sold in West Africa, but the ingredients differ. Funbact-A is usually made with betamethasone, clotrimazole and neomycin, while Epiderm uses betamethasone, gentamicin, tolnaftate and clioquinol.
Keep reading
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Always read the package leaflet and follow the directions, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you're unsure whether Epiderm is right for your skin. Epiderm is a product of Shalina Healthcare; Yado Market is an independent retailer.