How long should you use clobetasol propionate cream for?
Clobetasol propionate may be used to treat moderate-to-severe eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions off-label, but should only be used for the shortest time possible. Treatment should not exceed two weeks for eczema/dermatitis or psoriasis and no more than 50 grams of cream or ointment should be used per week.
When used to treat lichen sclerosus, treatment may be required for up to 12 weeks. However, only a very small amount (0.5g) of clobetasol propionate is used once a day.
This is because clobetasol propionate is classed as a super potent corticosteroid. Using more cream or ointment than recommended, or applying clobetasol propionate for longer than two weeks for eczema or psoriasis, could lead to side effects such as skin thinning, and rarely, growth retardation in children, cataracts, glaucoma, or suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Clobetasol propionate is supplied in tamper-evident tubes of 15g, 30g, 45 g, and 60 g. Common brand names for clobetasone propionate include Cormax, Embeline, and Temovate.
Clobetasol propionate is not recommended in children under 12 years of age and the area of skin being treated with clobetasol propionate should never be covered with occlusive bandages or dressings.
References
- Clobetasol Cream,Ointment Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/pro/clobetasol-cream-ointment.html#:~:text=Clobetasol%20Propionate%20Cream%20USP%2C%200.05,51672%2D1258%2D3.
- What's tops in topical steroid treatments? National Psoriasis Foundation https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/topicals/steroids/potency-chart
- Cormax (clobetasone propionate) DPT Laboratories, Ltd. https://www.drugs.com/pro/cormax.html
- Clobetasol Propionate Topical Ointment Cleveland Clinic 2020 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19019-clobetasol-propionate-topical-ointment
Read next
Does clobetasol cause hair loss or growth?
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
How effective is clobetasol for hair growth?
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
How long does it take for clobetasol propionate to work?
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. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Clobetasol Information for Consumers
- Clobetasol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Clobetasol (detailed)
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