How clobetasol works
Clobetasol is a drug from the group of locally acting glucocorticoids (“cortisone”). It has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves itching and suppresses immune reactions (immunosuppressive effect).
Doctors make use of these properties in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.
In medications, clobetasol is present as clobetasol propionate. As such, it can be absorbed more easily through the skin. This is one of the reasons for the strong efficacy of clobetasol.
What dosage forms are available?
Clobetasol is available in several dosage forms. There are ointments, creams, solutions, foams and shampoos. Medical professionals can select the most suitable preparation for each individual patient.
Clobetasol ointments
Clobetasol ointments are applied thinly to the affected areas of skin once or twice a day, depending on the preparation. The area of skin treated per application should not exceed ten percent of the body surface. If patients are unsure, they should consult their doctor.
Clobetasol creams
Depending on the preparation, apply the clobetasol cream thinly to the respective skin areas once or twice a day. Again, do not treat more than ten percent of the body surface with it per application.
Clobetasol solutions
Clobetasol solutions are applied thinly once or twice a day, depending on the preparation. Physicians usually prescribe them for diseases of the scalp.
Clobetasol foams
Foams are preparations in which a comparatively large volume of gas is dispersed in a liquid phase. Added emulsifiers turn them into a stable foam.
Clobetasol shampoo
Similar to a regular hair shampoo, apply a shampoo containing clobetasol to the scalp and massage it in. Make sure that all skin lesions are covered.
Leave it on for 15 minutes without covering. Then rinse the shampoo thoroughly with water.
Manufacturers of clobetasol drugs generally recommend using no more than 50 grams of the preparation (ointment, shampoo, etc.) per week. Wash your hands after each use, unless their skin is to be treated!
What are the side effects of Clobetasol?
Common side effects of clobetasol include local skin reactions. For example, burning, itching, and pain occur on the treated areas.
You can find more information about possible side effects in the package leaflet of your clobetasol medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect any unwanted side effects.
When is clobetasol used?
Medical professionals prescribe topical glucocorticoids such as clobetasol for a variety of different skin conditions. These include:
- Atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis)
- Contact dermatitis
- Psoriasis (psoriasis)
- Lichen ruber (nodular lichen)
When should clobetasol not be used?
Clobetasol should generally not be used in the following cases:
- if you are hypersensitive or allergic to the active ingredient or any of the other ingredients of the medication
- on inflamed skin of the face (facial dermatitis)
- in acne vulgaris
- in extensive psoriasis (psoriasis)
- in viral infections of the skin, e.g., herpes simplex (such as cold sores, genital herpes), chickenpox, shingles
- for infants and young children under three years of age (ointment, cream, solution) and under two years of age (foam, shampoo) respectively
Clobetasol in children and adolescents: What should be considered?
In Germany, children between the ages of two and twelve may only be treated with medications containing clobetasol in exceptional cases and for a few days. The same applies in Austria for the two- to twelve-year-old age group and in Switzerland for two- to 18-year-olds.
Clobetasol may in principle be applied locally during all phases of pregnancy and breastfeeding – provided that the attending physician has carefully weighed up the individual benefits against the possible risks for mother and child beforehand.
Do not apply clobetasol to your breasts while you are breastfeeding. Otherwise your child could absorb the active substance directly through the mouth when drinking at the breast.
Medicines containing clobetasol are prescription-only medicines in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. They are therefore only available in pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription.
