Clobetasol Propionate Ointment

What is Clobetasol ointment?

Clobetasol ointment is a topical medication. It is a high-potency corticosteroid (steroid), sold as Temovate.

What is Clobetasol used for?

Clobetasol ointment treats skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, cutaneous lupus, lichen planus, and contact dermatitis. 

What does Clobetasol ointment do?

Clobetasol works to relieve redness, itching, and other discomfort caused by skin conditions such as eczema. 

How does Clobetasol ointment work?

Clobetasol reduces inflammation in the skin by narrowing the blood vessels near the skin's surface, which reduces redness and itching. 

When to use Clobetasol propionate ointment

Clobetasol ointment should only be used once prescribed by the doctor. It is a highly potent corticosteroid cream, so it can only be purchased with a prescription following assessment by a doctor. Do not use Clobetasol ointment without direction from a pharmacist or a doctor as it has potential side effects.

Is Clobetasol ointment available over the counter?

Clobetasol ointment is not available to purchase over-the-counter. You will need to book a doctor’s appointment and undergo assessment before receiving a prescription. Medzino makes this easier by allowing you to consult with a physician online and have Clobetasol delivered to your door in plain and discreet packaging. 

Where to buy Clobetasol ointment

You can purchase Clobetasol ointment through Medzino after a consultation with one of our physicians.  If the evaluating physician feels the medication is safe to prescribe, the pharmacy will ship the medication in plain discreet packing straight to your door.

Active ingredient

The active ingredient in Clobetasol ointment is clobetasol propionate 0.05% in 1 milliliter.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in Clobetasol ointment are water, carbomer homopolymer type B, isopropyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. 

Can the ingredients in Clobetasol ointment cause an allergic reaction?

Clobetasol ointment contains an alcohol ingredient which can cause a skin reaction or irritation. Usually, in the first few days of using the ointment, users notice a slight stinging for a few minutes after application; however, this should disappear after the initial few days. 

How to use Clobetasol ointment

Always follow the instructions on the leaflet or from your doctor when using the Clobetasol ointment. Apply the Clobetasol ointment twice daily for up to 2 weeks. Apply a small amount of ointment onto your fingertips and massage it onto the affected area. Make sure to wash your hands after use. The ointment is only for external use and should not be used on the eyes, face, or groin. When your condition is controlled, the ointment should be stopped. If the ointment does not improve your condition after two weeks, let the doctor know, and they might reassess the diagnosis and treatment. 

Clobetasol side effects

Side effects are a normal part of any medication. It is important to know what the side effects are and keep a lookout for them. If you do experience any of the side effects, make sure to let your prescribing doctor know. If there is cause for concern, your doctor will reassess you and decide on a different treatment option. The side effects are:

More common

• Cough
• Sore throat

Less common

• Body aches or pain
• Changes in skin coloring
• Congestion
• Dryness of the throat
• Raised, dark red, wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face
• Skin discomfort
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Tender, swollen glands in the neck
• Trouble swallowing
•  Voice changes
   

Contraindications

Clobetasol use is contraindicated in patients with acne, rosacea, widespread plaque psoriasis, untreated bacterial or fungal skin lesions, and perioral dermatitis (facial rash occurring around the mouth). 

Adverse reactions

Clobetasol is usually well tolerated. Noticing a burning and tingling sensation is the most frequent adverse reaction, occurring in 10% of users. Tingling and folliculitis (follicles become inflamed due to an infection) occur in only 0.07% of patients. 

Different forms of Clobetasol

Clobetasol also comes as a cream, foam, lotion, gel/jelly, spray, solution, and shampoo. The ointment is thicker and greasier, so it's better for use on dry and flakey skin. The cream is preferred for oilier skin types. The solution is used to treat scalp conditions. The foam is used in the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. The cream, lotion, and spray are indicated in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, and the foam and shampoo are used to treat moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. 

Alternatives to Clobetasol

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is another corticosteroid medication indicated for treating eczema and psoriasis. It is a less potent steroid medication that can relieve redness, itching, and swelling. Hydrocortisone is available over-the-counter as it is less potent (strong) than Clobetasol. 

Triamcinolone

Triamcinolone is indicated in the treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. Triamcinolone is also a corticosteroid and works by reducing inflammation in the skin hence relieving redness, swelling, and irritation.

Fluticasone

The generic form of Fluticasone is sold as Cutivate and is also a corticosteroid. It contains fluticasone propionate (active ingredient), which treats swelling, itching, redness, and irritated skin. It is normally prescribed for itching and inflammation caused by skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and cutaneous lupus.  

Desonide

Desonide is a corticosteroid medication sold under multiple brand names. It works to relieve redness, swelling, and itching to treat inflammatory skin conditions. It is not available without a prescription and comes as a gel/jelly, ointment, cream, lotion, and foam. 
 

The potency of Clobetasol vs other steroid medications