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
Side effects of Clobetasol
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Burning
- Stinging
- Skin irritation
- Itching
Less Common 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)
The following Clobetasol 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
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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.
Common questions about Clobetasol
In general, avoid using clobetasol on your private parts like the groin unless your prescriber said it's okay. The skin around the private parts is very thin and sensitive. So, it can be more prone to side effects like irritation. If you need to treat the skin around your private parts for certain skin problems, talk to your prescriber about how to do this safely.
Using too much clobetasol can lead to serious side effects. This can happen if you apply too much at once, use it on large areas of skin, or use it for too long. Overuse can make your skin thin, cause stretch marks, or lighten the skin where you apply it. Because clobetasol is a strong steroid, it can get absorbed through the skin and into the body. This can sometimes affect your hormones. It can prevent your body from making cortisol, a hormone that helps control stress, blood sugar, and blood pressure. It can also lead to symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, like a round or puffy face, weight gain around the torso, or high blood sugar. If you're not sure how much clobetasol to use, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
No, you shouldn't use clobetasol alone to treat a fungal infection. It's a steroid, not an antifungal. Its main job is to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching on the skin. It doesn't kill the fungus that's causing the infection.
Generally, it's not recommended to use clobetasol on your face unless a healthcare professional said you can. The skin on the face is much thinner and more sensitive than skin on other parts of the body. This makes the face more vulnerable to the effects of this medication. This can include discomfort from a burning feeling or skin irritation. Talk to your prescriber about your options if you need to treat a skin problem on your face.
How long you should leave clobetasol on your skin depends on the formulation of the medication you have. Most forms of clobetasol should be rubbed in and left on so it gets absorbed into the skin. But the shampoo for scalp psoriasis should stay on the scalp for 15 minutes before you rinse it off. Ask your prescriber if you're not sure how long to leave clobetasol on your skin.
No. You typically apply the clobetasol solution to the affected area(s) of the scalp and leave it on. This helps the medication get absorbed into the skin. If you wash it off, the medication might not work as well.
Yes, clobetasol expires. Check the expiration date (on the box or product itself). Don't use the medication after it has expired since it might not work as well and can lead to side effects. If you have questions about when your clobetasol expires, ask your pharmacist.
Clobetasol and triamcinolone are both topical steroids that help relieve skin inflammation. But they have different potencies (or strengths). Clobetasol is an ultra high potency steroid, which means it's very strong. But triamcinolone is a medium to medium-high potency steroid. Lower potency steroids, like triamcinolone, are less likely to cause serious side effects when used long term or on larger skin areas. Stronger steroids are usually used for more serious skin problems or thicker skin. Talk to a healthcare professional to compare between topical steroids.
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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
Clobetasol can raise your risk of cataracts and glaucoma. To help lower this risk, Be careful not to get the medication into your eyes. Don't apply clobetasol near your eyes.
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
Bottle of lotion| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59ml of 0.05% | 1 bottle | $32.63 | $32.63 |
| 118ml of 0.05% | 1 bottle | $42.49 | $42.49 |
Bottle of shampoo| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 118ml of 0.05% | 1 bottle | $35.77 | $35.77 |
Bottle of spray| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59ml of 0.05% | 1 bottle | $26.10 | $26.10 |
| 125ml of 0.05% | 1 bottle | $46.81 | $46.81 |
Bottle of topical solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25ml of 0.05% | 2 bottles | $22.81 | $11.41 |
| 50ml of 0.05% | 1 bottle | $15.80 | $15.80 |
Can of foam| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100g of 0.05% | 1 can | $38.63 | $38.63 |
| 50g of 0.05% | 1 can | $32.06 | $32.06 |
Eye dropper| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5ml of 0.05% | 1 eye dropper | $294.25 | $294.25 |
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45g of 0.05% | 1 tube | $16.10 | $16.10 |
| 15g of 0.05% | 1 tube | $12.28 | $12.28 |
| 30g of 0.05% | 1 tube | $14.89 | $14.89 |
| 60g of 0.05% | 1 tube | $16.41 | $16.41 |
| 100g of 0.025% | 1 tube | $2,406.25 | $2,406.25 |
Typical dosage 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.
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- 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.
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- 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 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 who have taken this medication
0%
50%
100%
How much does Clobetasol cost?
What are alternatives to Clobetasol?
News about Clobetasol
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