Clobetasol (Dermovate) - Other common brands: Etrivex

What clobetasol is for

Clobetasol is a type of medicine called a steroid (corticosteroid).

Steroid medicines help reduce inflammation and swelling. They're different to anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles.

Clobetasol is much stronger than other steroid treatments.

It can be used to treat skin conditions such as:

• eczema
• psoriasis
• lichen planus
• discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)

There is also a medicine that contains clobetasol combined with an antibiotic and an anti-fungal medicine. This is used to treat skin conditions where there is a risk of infection.

How to use clobetasol

There are several different types of clobetasol, including:

• cream
• ointment
• shampoo
• scalp treatment

How you use clobetasol and how much to use depends on which type it is and the area affected.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems using it.

How to use common types of clobetasol

Cream and ointment

You'll usually need to use clobetasol cream or ointment once or twice a day.

Clobetasol should only be used on your face for 5 days as the skin on your face can thin easily with this medicine.

The amount you need depends on the size of the area you're treating. You only need to use enough to cover the affected area in a thin layer.

It's measured in fingertip units, which is the amount you can fit onto the end of your finger from the tip to the first crease. A fingertip unit is enough to treat an area twice the size of the palm of an adult's hand. Children will need to use less cream but you can still use an adult's fingertip to measure the units needed.

Credit:

Mark Thomas/Science Photo Library https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/463425/view

When using clobetasol cream or ointment:

1. Wash your hands before using it.
2. Squeeze the amount you need onto the end of your finger. If you accidentally squeeze out too much, wipe off what you do not need.
3. Put it on the affected area and gently rub it in until it disappears.
4. Wash your hands afterwards (unless you're using it on your hands).

Shampoo

Use clobetasol shampoo once a day.

To apply clobetasol shampoo:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Apply around half a tablespoon of shampoo to your dry scalp and massage all of the affected areas.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the shampoo.
4. Leave the shampoo to work for 15 minutes – do not cover it with anything.
5. Rinse the shampoo off with water and dry your hair as usual.
6. Use your usual shampoo after the clobetasol shampoo if you need to wash your hair – do not use more clobetasol shampoo.

Scalp treatment

Use a small amount of clobetasol scalp treatment twice a day, in the morning and evening, until your symptoms improve. Speak to your doctor about gradually using less of the treatment until you can stop.

To apply clobetasol scalp treatment:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove the bottle cap and place the nozzle directly on your scalp.
3. Gently squeeze the bottle to cover the area with a thin and even layer of liquid.
4. Leave the treatment to dry – your scalp will feel cool while the liquid is drying.
5. Wash your hands again.

Do not dry your hair with a hairdryer after using the scalp treatment.

If you miss a dose of clobetasol

If you forget to use a dose of clobetasol, use it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the usual time.

Do not use 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you use too much clobetasol

Do not worry if you sometimes use more clobetasol than you should. But avoid regularly using too much because it can increase the risk of side effects.

How to stop using clobetasol

If you have been using clobetasol for a while, your skin condition may get worse after you stop using the medicine. This can cause a withdrawal reaction such as redness, burning or stinging, intense itching, peeling skin and oozing sores. Redness may be more difficult to see on brown or black skin.

Do not start using clobetasol again without talking to your doctor, unless they have previously said it's OK.

Side effects of clobetasol

Like all medicines, clobetasol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Possible side effects of clobetasol include:

• a feeling of burning, pain, irritation or itching where the treatment is used
• thinning of the skin in the affected area
• small red lines (blood vessels) on your skin

Clobetasol does not usually affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

Serious side effects

Possible serious side effects of clobetasol include:

• a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – this can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• adrenal insufficiency – this can cause symptoms such as vomiting, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, mood changes or feeling dizzy, faint or very tired
• Cushing's syndrome – this can cause symptoms such as weight gain, a puffy face, muscle weakness, dizziness, excessive hair growth or hair loss
• raised bumps filled with pus (pustules) under the skin

The risk of serious side effects is higher if you're using clobetasol for a long time. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose to reduce the risk of side effects. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Who can and cannot use clobetasol

Most adults and children aged 1 year and over can use clobetasol creams, ointments and scalp treatment. Children aged 2 years and over can also use clobetasol shampoo.

Clobetasol is not suitable for everyone. For example, you may not be able to use it if:

• you've ever had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from clobetasol or another steroid
• you have acne or rosacea
• you have a skin infection
• you have broken skin, cuts or itchy skin (which is not inflamed)

Before using clobetasol, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, or herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Breastfeeding and clobetasol

Clobetasol can usually be used on your skin while breastfeeding but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

If you're using clobetasol cream or ointment on your chest (particularly on your breasts and nipples) while breastfeeding, wash it off with warm water before feeding your baby.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicines you're using but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and clobetasol

If you're pregnant, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using clobetasol.

Most types can be used during pregnancy, although a pharmacist or doctor may advise using small amounts for the shortest possible time.

Find out more about using steroids on your skin during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Using clobetasol with other medicines, food and drink

It's unlikely other medicines will affect the way clobetasol works.

But check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can use it.

Food, drink and alcohol with clobetasol

You can eat and drink as normal while using clobetasol.