clobetasol
Clobetasol is a super potent (very strong) corticosteroid that's applied to the skin. It helps relieve skin inflammation and irritation from moderate-to-severe skin problems, like psoriasis. Clobetasol is available in many different formulations. This includes a cream, ointment, shampoo, topical solution, and foam. Most formulations are for people 12 years and older. But others, like the shampoo and lotion, are for adults only. Some side effects include burning, stinging, and irritation where it's applied. Clobetasol has both brand-name and generic options.
What is Clobetasol?
What is Clobetasol used for?
Skin rashes and itchy skin - all topical forms except shampoo
Plaque psoriasis not on the scalp - all topical forms except shampoo
Moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis - shampoo and certain foams only
How Clobetasol works
Clobetasol is a topical corticosteroid. When it’s used on the skin, it has a few actions.
It blocks inflammatory chemicals that cause redness, itching, and swelling. This helps lower skin inflammation.
It also slows down how fast new skin cells are made. This can help lessen the number of patches or scales from some skin problems (like psoriasis).
It lessens the body's immune response. This can help with certain skin problems that are caused by an overactive immune system (such as eczema).
Drug Facts
More on Clobetasol essentials
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What are the side effects of Clobetasol?
Common Side Effects
- Burning
- Stinging
- Skin irritation
- Itching
Other Side Effects
- Dry skin
- Skin redness
- Thinning skin
- Loose skin (loss of skin elasticity)
- Acne-like bumps
- Stretch marks
- Lighter skin color
- Hair loss (when used on the scalp)
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
- Fragile or thinning skin that bruises easily
- Skin infection—skin redness, swelling, warmth, or pain
- Small, red, pus-filled bumps on the skin around hair follicles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Unexpected hair growth at application site
Pros and cons of Clobetasol
Pros
One of the most potent (strongest) topical steroids
Applied directly to the affected area(s) of skin
Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and spray
Works well for managing psoriasis symptoms
Cons
For short-term use only (usually no more than 2 weeks at a time) to prevent skin thinning and other problems
Not safe to use on the face, armpits, or groin
Some formulations are only for adults (e.g., shampoo, lotion, spray)
Not known if safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding
Pharmacist tips for Clobetasol
Ask your prescriber how long you should use clobetasol. Usually, you shouldn't use the medication for more than 2 weeks at a time (or 4 weeks at a time for the shampoo), unless your prescriber told you otherwise. Using clobetasol every day for a long time can put you at risk of side effects, like thin skin or more sensitive skin. Tell your prescriber if your skin doesn't seem to get better after using the medication for a couple weeks.
Only use clobetasol on the outside of your body on skin that's not broken. Don't apply it on wounds or damaged skin. More medication can get absorbed through damaged skin and cause more side effects.
Don't put clobetasol in your mouth, eyes, nose, or ears. You also shouldn't use the medication on your face, armpits, groin, or in the vagina. All these areas are sensitive and can get irritated easily. If you need treatment on sensitive areas of your body, talk to your prescriber about your options.
Wash your hands after using clobetasol. This helps rinse off any medication left on your hands before touching anything else. If it accidentally gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes with water and tell your care team if irritation doesn't go away.
Don't cover the treated area with a tight bandage unless your prescriber told you it's okay. Covering the area tightly can make more clobetasol get absorbed through the skin. This can make it more likely for you to have side effects.
Some people might feel stinging or burning after using clobetasol. It usually goes away after a short while. But if it bothers you or doesn't get better, tell your care team. Also let them know if you get a new rash or if your skin gets worse. You might need to get your skin checked to see what's going on.
If you've been using clobetasol for a few weeks and need to stop, talk to your prescriber. They might ask you to apply less over time before you stop. This can help lower your risk of topical steroid withdrawal.
How to use clobetasol
Apply a small amount of clobetasol onto the affected area(s) of skin. Cover the area with a thin layer of medication and then rub it in gently and completely.
For the clobetasol foam: Hold the can upside down and press the dispenser down to fill the cap with foam. Don't put the foam directly onto your hand because the foam melts on warm skin. Use your fingertips to rub the foam into the affected area until it disappears. If your fingers are warm, rinse them with cold water and dry them first. For hairy areas like the scalp, part your hair to apply the foam onto the skin.
For the clobetasol shampoo: Keep your hair and scalp dry before applying the shampoo. Part your hair to expose the affected area. Then, squeeze a small amount of shampoo directly onto the area. Spread it evenly and massage it gently into the scalp. Leave the medication on for 15 minutes. Avoid using a shower cap or towel on the head while you wait. Then add water, lather, and rinse well. You can use regular shampoo to wash your hair afterward if you want.
Frequently asked questions about Clobetasol
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What are the risks and warnings for Clobetasol?
Clobetasol can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
More skin reactions with longer use and coverings
Risk factors: Using a higher dose of clobetasol over a longer period of time | Covering applied area with a bandage
Regularly using clobetasol longer than recommended can raise your risk of more skin reactions. Your risk is also higher if you cover the treated area with a tight bandage.
These skin reactions can include skin thinning, burning, itching, irritation, and dry skin. It can also include stretch marks, inflamed hair follicles, or changes in skin color. Some of these skin reactions can be permanent.
To prevent severe skin reactions, use the smallest amount of clobetasol needed for the shortest period of time possible. Let your care team know right away if you notice any new or worsening skin problems. Keep in mind that skin irritation that doesn't go away can be an early sign of an allergic skin reaction to clobetasol. Your care team can check to see what's going on.
Changes in stress hormone levels
Risk factors: Using high potency topical steroids | Using clobetasol regularly for a longer time than recommended | Applying too much clobetasol on your skin | Covering the treated area with a bandage | Using more than one steroid medication at the same time | Younger age
Clobetasol is a strong steroid that works like your body's natural stress hormone, cortisol. Using it too often, for too long, or on large skin areas can affect your cortisol levels.
Sometimes, your cortisol levels could get too high. This could cause symptoms of Cushing's syndrome and high blood sugar. Other times, it can cause low cortisol levels, which can make you feel weak or unwell.
To stay safe, use the lowest clobetasol dose. Use it for no more than 2 weeks at a time for most formulations or for no more than 4 weeks at a time for the shampoo, unless your prescriber says it's okay. If you need to use clobetasol longer or over a large area, talk to your prescriber about how to use it safely.
Topical steroid withdrawal
Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is possible with clobetasol. This can happen if you stop using the medication suddenly after regular use. Some symptoms of TSW include itchy, burning, or flaky skin. You might also become sensitive to water, clothing, movement, and temperature.
If this happens, talk to your prescriber. They can suggest ways to help with this problem. Don't suddenly stop using clobetasol without talking to your prescriber first.
Higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma
Let your prescriber know if you have any eye conditions. Tell your care team and eye specialist if you have any blurry vision, eye pain, or see halos around lights. They can check to see if your eyes are okay.
Treat any skin infections appropriately
Tell your care team if you get a skin infection while using clobetasol. Look for signs of a skin infection, like redness, pain, swelling, or pus.
Topical steroids like clobetasol can sometimes make skin infections worse or take longer to heal. So, it's important to treat the skin infection with the right medication, like an antifungal or antibacterial. If the infection doesn't get better with treatment, tell your care team. You might have to stop using clobetasol until the infection goes away.
Flammable (clobetasol foam, solution, and spray only)
The clobetasol foam, solution, and spray formulations are flammable. This means that the product can catch on fire very easily. Don't apply it near an open flame or while smoking. Avoid storing the medication near heat or flames.
Clobetasol dosage forms
Typical dosing for Clobetasol
Clobetasol cream, gel, or ointment
People 12 years and older: Apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area(s) 2 times daily for up to 2 weeks at a time. Don't use more than 50 grams per week.
People 12 years and older: Apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area(s) 2 times daily for up to 2 weeks. Don't use more than 50 grams (or more than 21 capfuls) per week.
People 18 years and older: Apply a small amount of medication to the affected area(s) 2 times daily for up to 2 weeks. Your prescriber might tell you to spot-treat smaller areas of skin for another 2 weeks if needed. Don't use more than 50 grams (50 mL or 1.75 fluid ounces) per week.
People 18 years and older: Spray a small amount to the affected area(s) 2 times daily for up to 2 weeks. Your prescriber might tell you to keep using the medication as spot-treatment to smaller areas of skin for another 2 weeks if needed. Don't use more than 26 sprays for each application or more than 52 sprays each day. Don't use more than 50 grams per week.
People 12 years and older: Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) on the scalp 2 times daily (once in the morning and once at night). Use the topical solution for up to 2 weeks at a time. Don't use more than 50 mL per week.
People 18 years and older: Apply a small amount to the affected area(s) on your dry scalp once daily. Leave the shampoo on for 15 minutes before lathering and rinsing. Don't use more than 50 grams (or 50 mL) per week. Use for up to 4 weeks.
Clobetasol Reviews
GoodRx has partnered with PatientsLikeMe to provide reviews on the different aspects of Clobetasol.
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Clobetasol based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 112 people taking this medication
3.3
Effectiveness by condition:
psoriasis69 reviews
3.2
eczema17 reviews
3.5
lichen sclerosus13 reviews
3.8
dermatomyositis8 reviews
4.5
alopecia areata5 reviews
1.8
Severity of side effects
Based on 140 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Skin thinning
10%
Dry skin
3%
Burning sensation in skin
3%
Burning sensation
2%
Stinging pain
2%
Reasons people stopped taking Clobetasol
Based on 140 people who have taken this medication
Did not seem to work
36%
Course of treatment ended
16%
Other
15%
Doctor's advice
13%
Side effects too severe
10%
Expense
8%
Change in health plan coverage
3%
Personal research
3%
How long people take Clobetasol
Based on 189 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
How much does Clobetasol cost?
What are alternatives to Clobetasol?
Skin rashes and itchy skin - all topical forms except shampoo
Plaque psoriasis not on the scalp - all topical forms except shampoo
Moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis - shampoo and certain foams only
Skin inflammation disorders, including psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis
Inflammatory skin conditions - cream and ointment only
Plaque psoriasis - lotion and foam only
What is the latest news about Clobetasol?
Clobetasol images
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References
Best studies we foundAlembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). Clobetasol propionate- clobetasol propionate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). Clobetasol propionate- clobetasol propionate spray [package insert]. DailyMed.
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. (2025). Clobetasol propionate- clobetasol propionate aerosol, foam [package insert]. DailyMed.
Akorn. (2022). Clobetasol propionate- clobetasol propionate lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.
Akorn. (2022). Clobetasol propionate- clobetasol propionate shampoo [package insert]. DailyMed.
Elmets, C. A., et al. (2021). Joint AAD–NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy and alternative medicine modalities for psoriasis severity measures. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Feldman, S. R. (n.d.). How safe are steroid creams? Arthritis Foundation.
Ference, J. D., et al. (2009). Choosing topical corticosteroids. American Family Physician.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Cushing's syndrome.
Phan, K., et al. (2021). Topical corticosteroids and risk of diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
Stacey, S. K., et al. (2021). Topical corticosteroids: Choice and application. American Family Physician.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc. (2025). Clobetasol propionate gel; clobetasol propionate cream; clobetasol propionate ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.
Uva, L., et al. (2012). Mechanisms of action of topical corticosteroids in psoriasis. International Journal of Endocrinology.
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