Clobetasol Propionate Cream: Uses and Side Effects

What is Clobetasol Propionate Cream?

If you’re looking for a powerful solution to treat and manage your skin conditions, then clobetasol propionate cream may be the answer. Clobetasol propionate cream is a medication used to alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort associated with various scalp and skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.¹

Read on to learn more about the benefits clobetasol propionate cream has to offer!

Uses of Clobetasol Propionate Cream

Clobetasol propionate cream is a potent corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory skin conditions such as: 

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Dermatitis 
• Lichen planus. 

It helps reduce inflammation, relieve itching and redness, and suppress the immune response. However, it should be used only as prescribed by a healthcare professional to avoid potential side effects.²

How Does the Clobetasol Propionate Cream Work?

Clobetasol propionate cream works with the help of corticosteroids to calm down irritated skin. These corticosteroids help reduce inflammation, redness, and itching of the skin. When you apply clobetasol propionate cream on your skin, it shrinks the blood vessels. This in turn stops the release of irritating substances and decreases the production of certain cells that cause inflammation. This helps to soothe the skin and promotes skin healing. Clobetasol propionate cream may be potent and effective in the management of moderate to severe skin conditions and is typically used for short-term and intermittent use under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It’s important to use clobetasol propionate cream as directed by your doctor to get the best results and avoid any potential side effects.³

How to Apply Clobetasol Propionate Cream?

If you are using clobetasol propionate cream for the first time, it’s important to follow these instructions to ensure proper application:

1. Preparation

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the cream.
• Do not wash your hands if you are applying the cream to your hands. 
• Ensure that the affected area is clean and dry before applying the cream.

2. Application

• Spread a thin layer of the cream or ointment over the affected area of the skin.
• Apply the product to your skin with gentle smoothing motions, following the direction of hair growth.
• Avoid applying the cream or ointment on broken skin or cuts.
• Apply the cream or ointment to all areas of irritated skin.
• If you are directed to use the cream twice a day, try to space out applications by 8 to 12 hours.
• Do not use clobetasol propionate cream simultaneously with other creams or moisturizers. Allow at least 30 minutes between applications of the cream and other products.
• If you are told to apply a dressing like a bandage or plaster, wait at least 10 minutes after applying the cream.
• Do not use clobetasol propionate cream past its expiry date.⁴

Precautions

Here are some precautions to consider before using clobetasol propionate cream:

• Follow the prescribed dosage and duration of use as instructed by your doctor. Do not use more quantity than instructed or for a longer period than recommended.
• Avoid using clobetasol propionate cream on the face, groin, or axillae, unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
• Do not use clobetasol propionate cream for rosacea or perioral dermatitis, as it may worsen these conditions.
• Inform your doctor if have a history of adrenal gland problems, hypersensitivity to any of the contents of the cream or if you are using other corticosteroid-containing medications, as it may increase the risk of systemic side effects.
• Take precaution and inform your doctor if you are taking ritonavir (for HIV) and itraconazole (for fungal infections) as it may put you at a higher risk for side effects.⁸
• While using clobetasol propionate (0.05%) avoid prolonged use of high doses, as it may potentially result in features of Cushing’s syndrome after a few days of use. It’s important to strictly adhere to the recommended dosage, frequency, and duration of use as prescribed by a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of systemic side effects.⁹
• If you experience blurred vision, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, irritability, or unusual tiredness or weakness, contact your doctor immediately.
• Discontinue clobetasol propionate cream if skin irritation or rash develops and seek medical advice.
• Use caution when using clobetasol propionate cream in paediatric patients, as they may be more susceptible to systemic side effects. 
• Avoid using cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated area without consulting your doctor.^5,6

It is very important to note that excessive clobetasone cream usage in children can cause growth disturbances due to adrenal supression.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS MD(Pediatrics)

Side Effects of Clobetasol Propionate Cream

The possible side effects of clobetasol propionate cream are:

• Common side effects: Inform your doctor if you experience burning, itching, irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin, acne, tiny red bumps or rash around the mouth, small white or red bumps on the skin, bruising or shiny skin, red or purple blotches or lines under the skin, thin, fragile, or dry skin, or changes in skin colour.
• Serious side effects: Call your doctor immediately if you notice redness, swelling, oozing pus, or other signs of skin infection in the area where you applied clobetasol propionate cream, severe rash, skin sores, changes in the way fat is distributed in the body, sudden weight gain, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, depression, or irritability.
• Children to whom clobetasol propionate cream is applied may be more susceptible to adverse effects like reduced growth and delayed weight gain. It is crucial to consult your child’s doctor to discuss these risks before applying the medication to your child’s skin.

It is important to inform your doctor about any side effects or concerns you may have while using clobetasol propionate cream for proper evaluation and management.¹

Use of topical steroid cream should be under medical supervision as it may cause skin thinning, stretch marks, rashes, redness and increased hair growth on prolonged use.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S. M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1) Clobetasol topical: Medlineplus Drug Information [Internet]. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine; Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a686008.html

2) About clobetasol [Internet]. NHS choices. NHS; Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/clobetasol/about-clobetasol/ 

3) Clobetasol propionate [Internet]. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database. U.S. National Library of Medicine; Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/32798#section=Mechanism-of-Action 

4) How and when to use clobetasol [Internet]. NHS choices. NHS; Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/clobetasol/how-and-when-to-use-clobetasol/  

5) Clobetasol propionate cream, USP, 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment, USP, 0.05% [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health; Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=fb29b17b-96af-4a78-bc91-83cf8c5c2b1d&type=display 

6) Clobetasol (topical application route) proper use [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2023. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clobetasol-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20073860?p=1 

7) Stewart M. Clobetasol propionate & Clobetasol Propionate Cream [Internet]. Patient.info. 2021. Available from: https://patient.info/medicine/clobetasol-propionate-for-severe-inflammatory-skin-conditions-clobaderm-dermovate-etrivex 

8) Using clobetasol with other medicines and herbal supplements [Internet]. NHS choices. NHS; Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/clobetasol/using-clobetasol-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/  

9) Dhar S, Seth J, Parikh D. Systemic side-effects of topical corticosteroids. Indian journal of dermatology. 2014 Sep;59(5):460. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171913/ 

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