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How long does it take for clobetasol propionate to work?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on July 11, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

It takes about one to three days for clobetasol propionate to start working when it is being used to treat eczema. Some improvement in symptoms such as inflammation (redness) and itching, should be noticed within this time. Other symptoms, such as dryness, crusting, or scaling may take a bit longer to resolve, but improvement should occur within a week.

Treatment with clobetasol propionate should not exceed two weeks and no more than 50 grams of cream or ointment should be used per week, when clobetasol is being used to treat eczema/dermatitis or psoriasis. If no improvement is seen after two weeks, then your doctor should reassess your skin condition, because there may be another reason for your rash other than what has been initially diagnosed.

When clobetasol is being used to treat lichen sclerosus, a course of treatment may last up to 12 weeks.

Clobetasol propionate should only be used to treat eczema/dermatitis, plaque psoriasis, or another approved skin condition, such as lichen sclerosus. It is not effective against other types of skin rashes caused by fungi, viruses, scabies, acne, rosacea, or other conditions.

References

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Clobetasol can stimulate hair growth. Regrowth may be noticed as early as six weeks into treatment but may take up to 12 to 14 weeks to occur. In some people, hair regrowth does not persist long-term. Clobetasol should only be used for hair loss associated with inflammatory conditions of the scalp such as alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. Hair loss or hair thinning may also occur, but this is a very rare side effect and is estimated to occur in only 1 out of every 300 people who use clobetasol. Clobetasol is a potent topical steroid and is not a good option for hair and scalp conditions that are not associated with inflammation. Continue reading

Clobetasol is effective at stimulating hair growth. Research has shown hair regrowth was stimulated in about 20 to 25% of people who used clobetasol ointment and in about 47% of people who used clobetasol foam. Regrowth was noticed as early as six weeks into treatment but may take up to 12 to 14 weeks to develop. Continue reading

Topical clobetasol (Clobex, Impoyz, generics) is considered a very high potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) used on the skin, while triamcinolone (Kenalog, Triderm, generics) is a medium-to-low potency medicine. These prescription products may be used to treat conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, skin allergies or rashes or serious insect bites. Continue reading

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