What is clobetasol propionate cream used for?
Clobetasol propionate may be used to treat moderate-to-severe eczema, plaque psoriasis, and some other skin conditions, such as lichen sclerosus. Because it is super potent, treatment should not exceed two weeks and no more than 50g of clobetasol propionate should be used over one week. 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. Common brand names for clobetasol propionate include Cormax, Embeline, and Temovate.
Clobetasol propionate should NOT be used on the face nor to treat:
- Acne
- Bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections (such as herpes simplex, shingles or chickenpox)
- Bites or stings
- Eyelid conditions
- Mild dermatitis/eczema
- Perioral dermatitis
- Phimosis (a tight foreskin of the penis)
- Rosacea
- Scabies
- Skin conditions caused by vaccinations, tuberculosis, or syphilis.
Do not use clobetasol propionate to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Always use the lowest potency corticosteroid for your skin condition. Because clobetasol propionate is super-potent, it may not always be appropriate.
Related questions
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What symptoms does clobetasol propionate relieve?
Clobetasol propionate reduces inflammation (redness) and itching and can also relieve dryness, crusting, scaling, and discomfort caused by various skin conditions.
How potent is clobetasol propionate?
Clobetasol propionate is one of the most potent topical corticosteroids. It is classed as super potent. The potency of a corticosteroid can vary depending on its concentration and how it is formulated (ie, ointment, spray, cream). Different brands containing the same corticosteroid at the same concentration may still vary in potency.
Other super potent topical corticosteroids include:
- Betamethasone dipropionate (Diprolene ointment)
- Desoximetasone (Topicort spray)
- Diflorasone diacetate ointment (Psorcon ointment)
- Flurandrenolide (Cordran Tape)
- Fluocinonide (Vanos cream 0.1%)
- Halobetasol propionate (Ultravate cream/ointment).
References
- 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
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
Related medical questions
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- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
- How long should you use clobetasol propionate cream for?
- 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 (164)
Related support groups
- Clobetasol (45 questions, 49 members)
- Dermatological Disorders (36 questions, 54 members)
- Eczema (59 questions, 136 members)