Positon in Spain: Triamcinolone Neomycin Nystatin Cream
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Positon is a triamcinolone, neomycin and nystatin cream, prescription-only in Spain. What it treats, where not to use it and who should avoid it.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Positon is a Spanish triamcinolone neomycin nystatin cream, also sold as an ointment. It mixes a steroid that calms inflamed skin with an antibiotic and an antifungal. Doctors use it for short courses when a rash is infected, or likely to become infected. It is prescription-only in Spain, and the right diagnosis matters before you use it.
- Positon has three medicines in one: triamcinolone (a steroid), neomycin (an antibiotic) and nystatin (an antifungal).
- It is for inflamed skin with an infection on top, or a real risk of one.
- It is prescription-only in Spain, as a cream and as an ointment.
- Do not use it if you are allergic to neomycin, on the face, on broken skin or under a nappy, unless a doctor says so.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
For a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest local emergency department. Do not wait for a video consultation or an online reply.
What is Positon used for?
The leaflet says it treats skin problems that respond to steroids, when there is an infection by bacteria or fungi, or a risk of one. In practice a doctor may think of it for:
- Eczema or dermatitis that has started to weep or crust.
- An itchy, inflamed rash in a warm spot where both yeast and bacteria may grow.
- Scratched, sore skin where the doctor wants to cover more than one germ.
Each part does a different job. Triamcinolone eases redness, swelling and itch. Neomycin acts on bacteria. Nystatin acts on yeasts such as Candida. Packs come as a cream (crema) and an ointment (pomada). The doctor or the leaflet sets how much to use and for how long.
What is in the cream and the ointment?
Both contain triamcinolone acetonide, neomycin and nystatin. Neither contains gramicidin. The two bases differ:
- Cream: lighter, easier to spread. It contains preservatives (parabens) and other agents that can irritate or cause allergy in some people.
- Ointment: greasy, with a simple paraffin base. It suits dry, thick skin.
If you react to creams in general, tell the doctor. The base can matter as much as the medicine.
Is there a UK or US version of Positon?
| Name | What it contains | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Positon cream and ointment | Triamcinolone + neomycin + nystatin | Spain (prescription) |
| Tri-Adcortyl cream | Triamcinolone + neomycin + nystatin + gramicidin | UK: listed by the NHS as not available |
| Nystatin and triamcinolone cream | Triamcinolone + nystatin, no antibiotic | US (prescription) |
| Diprogenta | Betamethasone + gentamicin, no antifungal | Spain (prescription) |
So a cream from home may look similar but leave out the antibiotic or the antifungal. Diprogenta is another Spanish mix, with a stronger steroid and no antifungal. Our Diprogenta guide explains when doctors choose it.
Do you need a prescription for Positon in Spain?
Yes. The AEMPS CIMA database lists Positon cream and Positon ointment as medicamento sujeto a prescripción médica. Both are on sale. A Spanish pharmacist needs a valid prescription. A private electronic prescription from a doctor licensed in Spain counts. See our guide on which medicines need a prescription in Spain.
A rash that is weeping, spreading or not settling?
You can book a video visit with a GP licensed in Spain, in English or Spanish. He looks at the skin on camera and explains which cream, if any, suits it.
Why does the diagnosis matter so much?
A mix of three medicines can hide what is really going on. A steroid on the wrong rash can make it worse. The leaflet says not to use Positon on:
- Viral skin infections, such as cold sores or chickenpox.
- Tuberculosis of the skin.
- Rosacea, acne or the rash around the mouth called perioral dermatitis.
- Genital or anal itching, skin that is thin from age or illness, or skin reactions to vaccines.
- Ulcers, open wounds or stretch marks.
It is also not advised for some forms of psoriasis. A plain fungal rash often needs only an antifungal. Plain eczema often needs only a steroid. Our pages on rashes, eczema and fungal skin infections explain what a doctor looks for.
Where and how should you not use it?
- Not on large areas of skin, unless a doctor says so.
- Not under bandages, dressings or tight nappies. Covering the skin makes the body take up more steroid.
- Not on the face, the groin or skin folds, and keep it out of the eyes and mouth.
- Not for longer than prescribed. Long use can thin the skin and, rarely, affect the body's own steroid hormones.
Children: never under 1 year of age. In older children, only when a doctor judges it needed, with close follow-up. Pregnancy: the leaflet says to avoid it. Breastfeeding: not advised unless clearly needed. If you take a related antibiotic by mouth or injection, such as gentamicin, tell the doctor.
Side effects and when to see a doctor
The most common problem is a skin allergy, mostly with long use. Neomycin is a well-known cause of contact allergy. Signs are more redness, itch, burning or a new rash where you apply it. Other side effects include stinging, thin skin, stretch marks, small veins and changes in skin colour. Blurred vision has also been reported. See a doctor if:
- The skin is no better after 7 days, or gets worse.
- The rash spreads, oozes pus or becomes hot and swollen.
- You notice blurred vision or other eye changes.
- You get a new rash, or worse itch, where you apply it.
Call 112 if your face, lips or throat swell, or you struggle to breathe or swallow.
Talking it through with a doctor by video
Dr. Yelamo is a GP licensed in Spain. He sees adults, children and pregnant patients by video, every day from 07:30 to 20:30 (Spain time). In the visit he will:
- Ask you to show the skin on camera, close up and in good light.
- Look for signs of a virus, rosacea or a plain fungal rash, where this cream is the wrong choice.
- Ask about allergies to creams, plasters or antibiotics such as neomycin.
- Explain whether a steroid alone, an antifungal alone, a mixed cream or no cream suits the rash.
- Arrange an in-person check or a skin swab when the camera is not enough.
He does not promise any test or prescription before the visit. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
See how the Urgent Care video visit works. It lasts 15 minutes and costs €50.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
What is Positon cream?
A Spanish cream and ointment with triamcinolone (a steroid), neomycin (an antibiotic) and nystatin (an antifungal). It is for inflamed skin that is infected, or at risk of infection.
Do you need a prescription for Positon in Spain?
Yes. Both the cream and the ointment are listed on CIMA as prescription-only. A pharmacist needs a valid Spanish prescription.
Is Positon the same as Tri-Adcortyl?
Close, but not the same. Tri-Adcortyl also had gramicidin, and the NHS medicines dictionary lists it as no longer available. Positon has no gramicidin.
Can I use Positon on my face or groin?
Not unless a doctor tells you to. The leaflet says to avoid the face, the groin, skin folds, the eyes and open wounds.
Can Positon be used on children?
Never under 1 year of age. In older children it is used only when a doctor decides it is needed, with close follow-up.
What if I am allergic to neomycin?
Do not use Positon. Tell the doctor, who can choose a cream without neomycin. Neomycin is also in some ear drops and first aid creams.
Sources
- AEMPS CIMA: Positon cream package leaflet
- AEMPS CIMA: Positon ointment package leaflet
- MedlinePlus: Nystatin and triamcinolone
- MedlinePlus: Eczema
Related guides
Medical Citations & Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
