Clobetasol

1 medicine

Clobetasol is a very high potency topical corticosteroid for severe psoriasis, eczema and other stubborn skin conditions. Used for too long, over too large an area, or under a sealed dressing, it can suppress the body's own cortisol production and thin the skin.

Temovate

Clobetasol

15/30g

Temovate is a skin care medication containing Clobetasol, available as 15/30g tubes.

from $7.79 / tube View

Key facts

  • Clobetasol propionate is one of the most potent corticosteroids made for the skin, reserved for flare-ups that weaker steroids have not controlled.
  • You apply a thin layer once or twice daily, usually for no more than 2 to 4 weeks at a time, and total weekly amounts are kept low because of its strength.
  • Because so much can be absorbed at this potency, prolonged use, use over a large area, or use under an airtight dressing can suppress your adrenal glands' own cortisol output and thin the skin.
  • Seek urgent care for an infection that looks worse instead of better, stretch marks or fragile skin that tears easily, or vision changes if the medicine reaches the eyes.

What clobetasol treats

Clobetasol treats severe psoriasis, flare-ups of eczema, lichen planus, discoid lupus skin lesions, and severe seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp, conditions where inflammation is intense and other topical steroids have not worked well enough.

How clobetasol works

Clobetasol enters the outer layers of skin and binds receptors inside skin cells, damping down the chemical signals that drive redness, swelling and itch, and slowing the local immune activity that keeps the inflammation going.

Before you take it

  • Do not use it on skin with an untreated bacterial, fungal or viral infection, since it can mask the signs while the infection spreads.
  • Avoid the face, groin and underarms unless your prescriber specifically directs it there; skin is thinner and absorbs more in these areas.
  • Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are treating a child, since the skin absorbs proportionally more of the drug.
  • Do not cover treated skin with an airtight dressing unless told to, as this increases absorption.

Side effects

Common effects include burning or stinging on application, dryness, and mild redness that settles within days.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • An infection that spreads or worsens under treatment.
  • Marked skin thinning, stretch marks, or easy bruising of the treated area.
  • Vision changes or eye irritation if the cream is applied near the eyes.

Safety essentials

  • Never use clobetasol for longer than your prescriber advised, over more skin than directed, or under a sealed dressing without instruction. Doing so raises the risk of adrenal suppression and permanent skin thinning.
  • For long-term or widespread flare-ups, your prescriber will usually step you down to a weaker steroid rather than stopping abruptly.
  • Keep it away from broken skin, the face and skin folds unless specifically told to use it there.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.