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.
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).