Clobetasol cream 0.05% 15g

Clobetasol cream. 

Other name: Generic Dermivate cream

Clobetasol propionate is the active ingredient that can be found in both the Dermovate ointment and cream. It works by decreasing certain immune responses, which reduces redness and itching of skin.

Corticosteroids are medications used to reduce skin inflammation that's been caused by an irritant and the release of various substances important to the body's immune system. These substances will cause the blood vessels to enlarge, which results in the irritated region to become red, itchy, swollen and painful, as you can see in eczema or dermatitis. 

When the clobetasol propionate cream is applied onto the skin, it works inside the skin to reduce how much the inflammatory substances are released. In turn, this decreased the itchiness, redness and swelling a person experiences. Corticosteroids come in a range of potencies and the clobetasol propionate cream is used to treated severe cases inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis or eczema, which have not responded to the weaker corticosteroid medications. 

Clobetasol ointment is greasier than the cream but is suitable for skin that is very dry and scaly. The cream version is much better for weepy, moist skin. It needs to be applied to the affected region no more than twice a day and in a thin manner. As the condition improves, the medication should be used less and less, as your doctor suggests. The medication should not be used for more than four weeks, at one time. If it hasn't improved after four weeks, talk with your doctor. You may have to repeat the treatment when flare lupus occur but only if your doctor advises to. 

Indication

The medication is also used to treat:

• Lichen planus - condition where patches on skin look like shiny, almost violet regions.
• Discoid lupus erythematosus - Skin disorder the immune system causes; it attacks the skin.
• Eczema
• Psoriasis

Clobetasol cream special cautions

• This cream should only be used only locally on the damaged skin surface
• Apply a thin layer on the affected area only.
• Avoid getting the medication into the eyes, mouth or nose. Should accidental contact occur, rinse with cold water.
• Clean skin before applying medication if it is advised to use dressings with it.
• If used for a long-period of time, on raw/broken skin, large areas of skin, skin folks or under dressings that are tight, they can be absorbed through the skin. This can result in local side effect like skin thinning.  It is necessary not to use for a long-period of time especially in children or on large areas of skin. If there has been no improvement within a month, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
• If used on the face, don't use for more than five days and don't cover with airtight dressings.
• If being used in children, do not use the medication for more than five days or use airtight dressings. Nappies also act as airtight dressings and can increase how much of the medication is absorbed. Children should be seen a week after being given medication.
• If given to use on psoriasis, make sure to get regular checkups from the doctor.  While it is useful on psoriasis, long-term application can make it hurt worse and cause the condition to relapse.
• If you believe the area has been infected, stop applying the medication and talk with your doctor.

Use with caution in:

• Children
• Psoriasis

Clobetasol Cream contraindications:

• Children under a year old.
• Viral skin infections like chicken pox, cold sores, herpes simplex and shingles.
• Bacterial skin infections like impetigo.
• Fungal Skin Infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, thrush.
• Acne.
• Chronic inflammatory disorder on the face (acne rosacea).
• Inflammatory rash around mouth (perioral dermatitis).
• Itching of the genitals and back passage.
• Widespread outbreak of psoriasis. 

You should also not use this medication if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you should have already experienced an allergic reaction. If you believe you're having an allergic reaction, stop applying the medication and talk to your doctor right away. 

Clobetasol cream in pregnancy or breastfeeding

There are certain medications that should be avoided if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Of course, some medications have been deemed safe to use in a pregnant or breastfeeding mother because the benefits to her outweigh the risks to the baby. Let your doctor know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. As for clobetasol, it should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a doctor advises you that it's safe to do so. 

However, it should not be placed on very big areas of the skin, used for long periods of time and covered by airtight dressings.  If put on the breasts, it needs to be carefully washed off before breastfeeding commences and reapply once done.

Clobetasol cream side effects

Keep in mind that medications will affect people in a variety of ways. And, not everyone who uses clobetasol propionate will suffer with them. The common side effects with clobetasol cream include:

• Stretch marks
• Excessive hair growth
• Skin pigmentation changes
• Skin thinning
• Skin irritation at application site
• Groupings of fine blood vessels that can be seen under the skin

If the medication is use for a long period of time or on broken, irritated or raw skin, it could have side effects on other areas of the body. The above list may not be all of the side effects that a person can suffer with. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your doctor or pharmacy right away. 

Possible Drug Interactions

This medication is not known to negatively interact with other medications. Of course, it's always wise to inform your doctor if you are taking any medications prior to using clobetasol cream. You should also let your doctor know before you begin taking another medication in additional to clobetasol ointment. If you're using moisturizers or lotions in that region, be sure to wait several minutes before applying the clobetasol cream so that each one can be absorbed into the skin separately