Halobetasol Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Oct 30, 2024.

Applies to halobetasol topical: topical application cream, topical application foam, topical application lotion, topical application ointment.

Serious side effects of halobetasol topical

Along with its needed effects, halobetasol topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking halobetasol topical:

Less common

• blisters under the skin
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• dry skin
• flushing or redness of the skin
• headache
• hives or welts, itching, skin rash
• raised, dark red, wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face
• stinging
• thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (eg, between the fingers)
• unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• redness and scaling around the mouth
• scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

Other side effects of halobetasol topical

Some side effects of halobetasol topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• acne or pimples
• burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters

Incidence not known

• burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
• earache
• fever
• increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
• lightening of normal skin color
• lightening of treated areas of dark skin
• muscle aches
• painful blisters on the trunk of the body
• reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• redness or swelling in the ear
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to halobetasol topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical kit, topical lotion, topical ointment.

General

The most commonly reported side effects were stinging, burning, and itching.^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Intracranial hypertension (including bulging fontanelles, headaches, bilateral papilledema), paresthesia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Dry skin, erythema, skin atrophy, leukoderma, vesicles, rash, pustulation, acne, secondary infection, telangiectasia, urticaria, miliaria, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, striae^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia, glucosuria^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Stinging, burning, itching^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Halobetasol topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer