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Clobetasol topical and Itching: What Users Say

Brand names: Temovate, Dermovate, Clobex, Olux, Impoyz, Clodan, Cormax, Impeklo, Embeline, Cormax Scalp, Tovet, Temovate Emollient, Embeline E Clobevate Olux-E …show all brand names

Itching: mentioned by 21 users (12.8%)

Based on user experiences from 164 Clobetasol topical reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

itching 12.8%
pain 5.5%
anxiety 3.0%
burning 3.0%
tight skin 2.4%
dryness 1.8%
scarring 1.8%
swelling 1.8%

Reviews for Clobetasol topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Klg...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 18, 2018

For Eczema "Clobetasol cleared my skin in 4 days. This medication is a miracle for me. I have dyshidrotic eczema and atopic dermatitis. The only places I break out are on my hands severely and my feet mildly. As you can guess, keeping my hands medicated and moisturized has always been a challenge. I manage a restaurant so my poor hands suffer. I have tried numerous steroids with no luck. Within 3 days, my hands go from normal to swollen, dry, cracked skin with bumpy fluid-filled itchy blisters that break open, bleed, and cause the itch to intensify. I wake in the night itching so bad, I cry. I know this is TMI, but the reason I'm describing what I have so well is in case anyone with my symptoms can relate and possibly find a solution. All healed over here!"

9 / 10
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80 Report
  • ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2019

For Lichen Sclerosus "I had been to two doctors who couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. Finally, I happened to see a nurse practitioner who knew what I had right away: Lichen Sclerosus. I had gone untreated for a year and was in terrible pain. There was severe disfigurement of my anus and vulva. The clobetasol treatment completely got rid of the pain and itching immediately. I had my first full night’s sleep in months. This med is wonderful for this disease."

10 / 10
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50 Report
  • not...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 18, 2018

Clobetasol topical for Psoriasis "I was on Clobex spray and shampoo for several years at the direction of several dermatologists. I would use them regularly and then take breaks while I was clear. The clearing time would get shorter and shorter - in between, I was not able to maintain the clearance with lower potency steroids. Every time my psoriasis would come back angrier, redder, patchier, more itchy than before. In 2 years on Clobex on and off - my coverage went from 5% to 30% - started becoming aggressive and not responding to Clobex on my legs. BEWARE of this medication. If it seems too good to be true - it's because it is. I was trapped in the clearance-worse outbreak-anxiety-clearance-horrible outbreak cycle for years. This medication is not a cure-all and can make your psoriasis worse in the long term."

1 / 10
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33 Report

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Frequently asked questions

  • wan...
  • April 16, 2020

For Psoriasis "My psoriasis affected areas, in order, from bad to worse; shins, buttocks, scalp hairline, behind ears, calves, knees, front of thighs, outside of thighs, elbows (real bad), torso mainly abdomen, back of thighs. Used salicylic acid and Chinese herb blend in cream form for 2 years. However, plaque still appeared. Then, sudden spread and outbreak. Dr. prescribed Clobetasol Propionate ointment USP, 0.05%. Applied a very small amount on each spot twice daily; within 5 days, noticeable effects. Areas were no longer plaquing, turned pink with pinpoint size bumps on the worst spots. Itching ceased after 2 or 3 applications. Ran out of the 60-gram tube. After 21 days, symptoms began to return. Refilled prescription. After 3 days, spots began to disappear. Pinkness faded to white. After 2 more days, all spots whiter than my natural skin color. Very Caucasian on butt, bottom of feet, armpits, and scalp. Areas subject to sun are an olive tone that tans to dark brown easily. This medication has worked wonders!"

10 / 10
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15 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 23, 2022

For Lichen Sclerosus "I've had terrible itching in my vaginal area, including my anus, also terribly sore and swelling. My GP sent me to a gynecologist, who diagnosed me with lichen sclerosus. He prescribed clobetasol. It took only a few days for the nasty itching to stop. Thank God for clobetasol!"

10 / 10
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10 Report

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  • 702...
  • September 27, 2010

Clobetasol topical for Psoriasis "I got this psoriasis when I was in my early 20s, and I thought it was nothing because it started on my head. Itching and redness followed, but still I ignored it not until it got bigger. Then I went to my doctor to get checked up. First, he didn't know what kind of condition I had. He gave me a lot of things that made no effect on my skin. The bottom line was he didn't make me feel better until I discovered Clobex. I used the shampoo and spray at the same time, but you need to be aware that over time any medications will not work. You need to take a break, otherwise, you will be immune to it or even worse. My skin cleared, but after a few months it came back, so be careful using any medications."

5 / 10
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30 Report
  • Joh...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 9, 2018

For Psoriasis "I've had this psoriasis over my right ankle for over 15 years, with flare-ups at times, itching, scaling, broken skin, etc. I tried not to let it bother me because it has not shown up anywhere else. Through the years, I've tried many creams, and nothing helped. Recently, I tried this medication, and in a couple of days, my skin cleared completely. I used it for a few days and then went a week without it, and it seemed like it was healed. Eventually, I felt some itching and used it again. Now, I use it once every four or five days just in case, and I've been completely clear. The unknown is that although several doctors told me it was psoriasis, the most recent doctor said it could be some kind of dermatitis since it has always stayed in the same place, affecting only one leg. Whatever it is, the medication is working great. Thanks!"

10 / 10
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13 Report

More FAQ

  • Bou...
  • March 23, 2009

Clobetasol topical for Atopic Dermatitis "I was prescribed Olux-E for psoriasis of the scalp. I made an appointment with a dermatologist because I was embarrassed by the flakes and condition of my scalp. Symptoms were cut in half after two days of use and gone in four. I can wear black again! It still itches a bit, but the flakes are gone. Couldn't be happier. It is a topical steroid, so I'm going to stop using and keep some on hand for the occasional flare-up. So impressed. THANK YOU!"

10 / 10
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20 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 14, 2012

For Dermatitis "I have localized scleroderma - Morphea. I have patches all over my back, very painful, swollen, itchy, looks red-purpleish, can't stand anything touching my skin. My doctor prescribed clobetasol 2x a day. He said that the patches on my back were so swollen that I would not notice any changes for at least a month. Well, I've only used clobetasol for 2 weeks and I can see a big difference, my skin doesn't hurt, itch, it's not swollen, it does not look irritated, it even looks healthy!"

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • BWF...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 16, 2023

For Eczema "After being on a journey for what felt like forever, of trying to calm my severe eczema, I was given this cream. The cream was awful. I was literally starting to think that I was just going to have to live the rest of my life with this extreme itch/burn/tingling/pain. I tried everything down to a bleach bath (which, surprisingly, works the best out of anything that I have tried), and went to 20+ doctors and therapists and holistic centers... etc. So, I was prescribed this, clobetasol propionate, picked it up from the pharmacy, went home, and applied it to my hands. About 10 minutes later, I was in the fetal position on the floor, wanting so badly to cry and scream, but the pain had me paralyzed. My skin has felt like water... slick and thin, ever since. Now, even water touching me makes my skin throb. I’m sure this isn’t a reaction that happens to many people, or at least I hope. I have decided to try to learn to cope and adjust to a new life of just being in eczema pain."

1 / 10
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4 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 27, 2009

For Lichen Sclerosus "My obstetrician/gynecologist cured the vaginal lichen sclerosus by surgically using extra skin. Still, I have to use the ointment 2x a week on the anal skin to keep the area from pain, itching, and bleeding. On other days, since it is not recommended to use too often, I use raw shea butter, with emphasis on 'raw.'"

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 27, 2017

For Dermatitis "Summer of 2016, I got burnt to a crisp. Decided not to wear sunscreen. Dumb idea. After the burning and peeling of my skin came the 'hell's itch.' I wanted to RIP MY SKIN OFF. People USE SUNSCREEN. If you decide not to wear sunscreen, be prepared. If you want a quick solution when the itch arrives, CALL A DERMATOLOGIST OFFICE. Make sure they accept your insurance, and BEG to be seen. I was prescribed clobetasol propionate solution, told to use Sarna anti-itch lotion in between clobetasol usage, also take an over-the-counter pill of Zyrtec once a day, and was also prescribed hydroxyzine to help me sleep. And to wear COTTON clothes all the time. Took all that medicine due to the complexion of my skin. BEST DECISION EVER."

10 / 10
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9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 30, 2008

Clobetasol topical for Dermatitis "Olux is a mousse that is massaged into the psoriasis on the scalp. After using this 2x per day for approximately 3 weeks, I no longer am using T-Gel 3x a week. I'm back to using my old shampoo. No itching or flaking of the scalp. It's so easy to use, too."

10 / 10
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12 Report
  • Ros...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 9, 2019

For Seborrheic Dermatitis "I tried this topical medication on my scalp for 5 days. No reaction the first two days, then extreme itching day 3, followed by a horrible, on-fire burning sensation. Upside - did not have to wash hair every day. Was switched to fluocinolide and have had no issues. Downside - have to wash hair daily due to an oil-based medication."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • Syd...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 16, 2017

For Dermatological Disorders "I had this strange itchy condition on my legs and sometimes forearms. The dermatologist gave this to me after I tried over-the-counter that didn't work. I don't think this works much better than the Neosporin 'cream' (not gel). The Neosporin gives me immediate relief, it just doesn't last long. The jury is out with this stuff. I put it on for the first time last night but still had bouts of itching on the corners of my foot, ankle, thigh, and forearms. I am not sure what is going on with me. I live in California and hike a lot. I get scaly, red, itchy tops of my ankles and slight rashy bumps on my legs. Itches like crazy then will subside. I now have sores from scratching. With all the reviews, I thought I'd get an obvious result of something - I don't feel much different. I still itch. So this isn't much better than my Neosporin cream I use."

4 / 10
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3 Report
  • Itc...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 22, 2021

For Lichen Planus "I got lichen planus starting this summer season. Biopsy confirmed. I take 2 different blood pressure meds. One a beta-blocker, which I read can cause this. Dermatologist says he has a pill for this. I was supposed to get off the BP meds, and I did for about 2 weeks per med. He says 8 weeks off BP meds. Mom died of a stroke in the ‘90s. So I’m trying again going off metoprolol for 8 weeks. So, I didn’t get the pill because I’m still on BP meds. He asked me about coming back, I told him no, I’ll try again for 8 weeks without BP meds. Metoprolol is an added med for my main blood pressure med, and it does help. So I risk a stroke to try to rid myself of this stuff. Clobetasol 15g tube lasted one week, no help, fluocinolone no help. Used creams about a month. Going to try Emuaid max strength. I did get off my cholesterol med. That did help for the itching, which isn’t as intense as it used to be. CeraVe itch jar cream helps too."

1 / 10
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1 Report
  • lic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 10, 2025

For Lichen Sclerosus "I have had this problem since I was probably a preteen. I always wondered why one side of my outer vulva was more swollen and just not right looking. I can't believe I've dealt with this for at least 10 years undiagnosed. No one has ever said anything until I went to my doctor, finally complaining. She diagnosed me and prescribed me this ointment. First treatment went great, itching went away completely! Since I have only applied it twice, I'm not sure yet how well it will work. I'm just happy to have a diagnosis."

7 / 10
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0 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 24, 2009

Clobetasol topical for Psoriasis "I had a severe case of psoriasis at the base and outer areas of my hairline with severe itching, and the Clobex lotion cleared it up in a week. I used a little on the affected area only."

9 / 10
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25 Report
  • Lin...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 5, 2013

For Dermatitis "Works well if you are premenopausal, menopausal, or postmenopausal and have experienced itch around the vagina due to dryness, hot flashes, and night sweats. Highly recommended."

10 / 10
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22 Report
  • Mis...
  • March 12, 2009

For Lichen Sclerosus "Finally, relief. Just wish that I could use it every day. I have noticed, though, that even on my 20 days off each month, the itching is less than before."

10 / 10
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22 Report
  • 116...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 21, 2023

For Eczema "This medication has had little or no effect on the rash that was diagnosed as eczema. The itch worsened right after applying it."

3 / 10
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2 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.