What is clobetasol propionate cream used for? Uses and side effects
Clobetasol propionate cream may be used to treat moderate-to-severe eczema, plaque psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions, such as lichen sclerosus. Because it is a super potent topical steroid, clobetasol propionate treatment should not exceed two weeks, and no more than 50g should be applied over one week. This prescription steroid cream is not recommended in children under 12 years of age, and the treated skin area should never be covered with occlusive bandages or airtight dressings. Common clobetasol propionate brand names include Cormax, Embeline, and Temovate cream.
What NOT to Use Clobetasol Propionate For
Clobetasol propionate topical steroid should NOT be used on the face, or to treat:
- Acne vulgaris
- Bacterial skin infections, fungal skin infections, or viral skin infections (such as herpes simplex, shingles or chickenpox)
- Insect bites or bee stings
- Eyelid dermatitis conditions
- Mild eczema/dermatitis
- Perioral dermatitis (around the mouth)
- Phimosis (tight foreskin condition)
- Rosacea skin condition
- Scabies mite infestations
- Skin reactions caused by vaccinations, tuberculosis, or syphilis infections.
Do not use clobetasol propionate steroid cream to treat any dermatological condition that has not been diagnosed by your dermatologist or healthcare provider.
Important Clobetasol Propionate Safety Information
Always use the lowest potency topical corticosteroid appropriate for your specific skin condition. Because clobetasol propionate is classified as a super-potent corticosteroid medication, it may not always be the appropriate treatment for your skin condition.
Clobetasol Propionate Symptom Relief
Clobetasol propionate cream effectively reduces skin inflammation (redness and swelling) and relieves itching sensations. This topical steroid medication can also treat skin dryness, crusting, scaling, and discomfort caused by various dermatological conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin disorders.
Related questions
- How effective is clobetasol for hair growth?
- Does clobetasol cause hair loss or growth?
- How long does it take for clobetasol propionate to work?
How Potent is Clobetasol Propionate? Super Potent Steroid Classification
Clobetasol propionate ranks among the most potent topical corticosteroids available for prescription use. It is classified as super potent on the topical steroid potency scale. The potency of corticosteroid medications can vary depending on active ingredient concentration and formulation type (ointment, spray, cream, gel). Different brand names containing identical corticosteroid concentrations may still differ in therapeutic potency and effectiveness.
Other Super Potent Topical Corticosteroids Include:
- Betamethasone dipropionate (Diprolene ointment)
- Desoximetasone (Topicort spray and gel)
- Diflorasone diacetate ointment (Psorcon ointment)
- Flurandrenolide (Cordran Tape)
- Fluocinonide (Vanos cream 0.1%)
- Halobetasol propionate (Ultravate cream and ointment)
Clobetasol Propionate Side Effects
Common clobetasol propionate side effects may include:
- Skin thinning (skin atrophy) with prolonged use
- Burning or stinging sensation upon application
- Skin irritation or contact dermatitis
- Stretch marks (striae) development
- Easy bruising of treated skin
- Changes in skin pigmentation
- Hair follicle inflammation (folliculitis)
- Excessive hair growth at application site.
Serious side effects can occur with overuse or long-term application, including absorption into the bloodstream leading to systemic corticosteroid effects. Always follow prescribed dosage instructions and treatment duration recommendations from your healthcare provider.
References
- Potency Chart. National Psoriasis Foundation. https://www.psoriasis.org/potency-chart/
- Clobetasol: Package Insert / Prescribing Info. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/pro/clobetasol.html
Read next
Clobetasol vs. triamcinolone - how do they compare?
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
Halobetasol vs. clobetasol - How do they compare?
Halobetasol and clobetasol are both classified as super high-potency or high-potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) creams used on the skin. They are both FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis and skin conditions that are responsive to topical corticosteroids, such as dermatitis and eczema (atopic dermatitis). They lessen skin redness and pain, itching, dryness and scaling. Continue reading
Can clobetasol be used for toenail fungus?
Clobetasol should not be used to treat toenail fungus, but it may be used to treat toenail psoriasis, which can resemble toenail fungus. Around 30% of people with nail psoriasis also have a fungal nail infection. Using clobetasol alone to treat toenail fungus may cause the toenail fungus to worsen and spread to other nails. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- Can clobetasol propionate be used for poison ivy?
- How long does clobetasol stay in your system?
- What's difference between Olux and Olux-E?
- How do you use Impoyz cream?
- How do you apply clobetasol propionate for lichen sclerosus?
- Can you use clobetasol on your face?
- How do you use clobetasol propionate on your scalp?
- How long should you use clobetasol propionate cream for?
- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
- Can clobetasol make you gain weight?
Drug information
- Clobetasol Information for Consumers
- Clobetasol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Clobetasol (detailed)
- Clobetasol user reviews (165)
Related support groups
- Clobetasol (45 questions, 49 members)
- Eczema (60 questions, 137 members)
- Dermatological Disorders (36 questions, 54 members)