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Halobetasol vs. Clobetasol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Halobetasol (Bryhali, Lexette, Ultravate) and clobetasol (Clobex, Olux, Tovet, Impeklo, Impoyz) are both topical corticosteroids used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis. They are both super potent steroids, but they have some differences. Halobetasol is available in forms like cream, ointment, lotion, and foam, while clobetasol comes in cream, shampoo, lotion, and spray. Halobetasol is used for inflammatory skin conditions and plaque psoriasis, while clobetasol is used for skin rashes, itchy skin, and scalp psoriasis. Halobetasol can be used by people 12 years and older, but the Bryhali lotion is for adults only. Clobetasol is generally for adults, but some forms can be used by children 12 and older. Both medications should not be used for more than 2 weeks, except for Bryhali lotion and clobetasol shampoo, which can be used longer. Common side effects for both include skin irritation and burning, but clobetasol can also cause hair loss when used on the scalp. Both medications should not be used on the face, armpits, or groin, and you should avoid using other topical steroids at the same time.

Halobetasol

 

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Clobetasol

 

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Summary for Halobetasol

Prescription only

Halobetasol propionate is a super potent topical steroid that people can use to treat inflammatory skin conditions, including plaque psoriasis. It's applied directly to the affected skin once or twice per day. Halobetasol comes in many different forms, including generic creams, generic ointments, and brand-name lotions (Bryhali, Ultravate). In addition, there's a halobetasol foam called Lexette that's also available as a generic. Side effects aren't common but typically include skin irritation and burning.

Indications for Halobetasol

  • Inflammatory skin conditions - cream and ointment only
  • Plaque psoriasis - lotion and foam only

Pros and Cons for Halobetasol

Pros

  • Good choice for severe inflammatory skin problems since it's a super potent topical steroid
  • Available in many different forms (cream, ointment, lotion, and foam)
  • Generally well tolerated with few possible skin reactions

Cons

Common Side Effects for Halobetasol

  • Burning feeling on the skin
  • Stinging feeling on the skin

Warnings for Halobetasol

  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Skin reactions
  • Need appropriate treatment for skin infections
  • Risk for cataracts and glaucoma
  • Flammable (foam only)

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 Halobetasol vs. Clobetasol

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Halobetasol1 tube / 50g of 0.05%
$38.92$171.00
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Clobetasol1 tube / 60g of 0.05%
$16.01$124.71
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