Cloderm vs. Clobetasol for Eczema and Psoriasis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Clocortolone

(Cloderm)

Clobetasol

Summary for Cloderm

Prescription only

Clocortolone (Cloderm) is a topical corticosteroid (or steroid) that's used to treat many types of skin problems that cause itchiness and inflammation (swelling and redness). This medication comes as a cream that's applied to the skin three times per day. Side effects aren't common but can include a burning sensation, dry skin, and skin irritation where the cream is applied.

Indications for Cloderm

Inflammatory skin conditions

Pros and Cons for Cloderm

Pros

A cream that's easy to apply
Treats many different skin conditions
Safe to use short term for children
Few side effects

Cons

Need to apply three times daily, which is more often than similar steroid medications
Risk of skin thinning with long-term use
Might not work well for severe skin conditions

Common Side Effects for Cloderm

Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

Warnings for Cloderm

Altered stress hormone levels

Summary for Clobetasol

Prescription only

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.

Indications for 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

Pros and Cons for 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

Common Side Effects for Clobetasol

Burning
Stinging
Skin irritation
Itching

Warnings for Clobetasol

More skin reactions with longer use and coverings
Changes in stress hormone levels
Topical steroid withdrawal
Higher risk of cataracts and glaucoma
Treat any skin infections appropriately
Flammable (clobetasol foam, solution, and spray only)

Prices with our coupons for Cloderm vs. Clobetasol

Clocortolone Pivalate1 tube / 45g of 0.1%

$88.73$349.13

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Clobetasol1 tube / 60g of 0.05%

$16.01$126.61

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Cloderm vs. Clobetasol

Clocortolone

Clobetasol

Summary for Cloderm

Indications for Cloderm

Pros and Cons for Cloderm

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cloderm

Warnings for Cloderm

Summary for Clobetasol

Indications for Clobetasol

Pros and Cons for Clobetasol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clobetasol

Warnings for Clobetasol

Prices with our coupons for Cloderm vs. Clobetasol

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Clocortolone

Clobetasol

Summary for Cloderm

Indications for Cloderm

Pros and Cons for Cloderm

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cloderm

Warnings for Cloderm

Summary for Clobetasol

Indications for Clobetasol

Pros and Cons for Clobetasol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clobetasol

Warnings for Clobetasol