How does clobetasone work?
When you have an allergic reaction or skin irritation, various chemicals are released in the skin. This can cause your blood vessels to widen which irritates the skin and makes it swollen, itchy, painful and red.
Clobetasone cream and ointment contain an ingredient called clobetasone butyrate. This is a corticosteroid or steroid, which reduces inflammation in the skin.
Clobetasone works inside the skin cells to stop the release of these chemicals. This reduces the swelling, redness and itching.
When will my skin get better?
Your skin should start to get better after you've used clobetasone for a few days.
You may need to use it for a few weeks if it has been prescribed by your doctor for skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Using clobetasone for a long time without stopping can mean some of the medicine gets into your blood.
If this happens, there's a very small chance it can cause serious side effects, such as adrenal gland problems, high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), or problems with your eyesight.
Using it for a long time can also increase the risk of having a reaction when you stop using it. You might have a burning feeling and redness, although this may be more difficult to see on brown or black skin.
The reaction will feel different to the skin condition you have been using clobetasone for. It may cover a larger area than the area you were treating.
If you've been using clobetasone for a long time, your doctor may tell you to gradually reduce the amount you use before stopping completely.
Why is clobetasone not recommended for faces?
The skin on your face is delicate so using it over a long period of time may cause thinning of the skin.
Do not use clobetasone on your face unless a doctor says it's OK and has given you a prescription for it. If your doctor has prescribed it for use on your face, it's best not to use it for any more than 5 days.
Do not let clobetasone ointment get into your eyes.
Some common skin problems that affect the face, such as impetigo, rosacea and acne, can be made worse by clobetasone.
Can steroids make eczema worse?
Steroids like clobetasone work by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the skin to help reduce the symptoms. However, they do not cure the condition.
If you feel your symptoms are getting worse after a week of using clobetasone, it's important that you speak to your doctor.
When you stop treatment, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can flare up again.
You can avoid this by gradually reducing the amount of cream or ointment you apply, or how often you apply it. Do this over a week or two, before stopping it completely.
Can I still have vaccinations?
Using clobetasone does not prevent you or your child having vaccinations.
But tell your doctor or nurse that you're using clobetasone so they can give you the vaccine in an untreated area of your skin.
Will it affect my contraception?
Clobetasone does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Clobetasone does not make you sleepy so it's safe to drive or ride a bike when using this medicine.
Can I drink alcohol while using clobetasone?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using clobetasone.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
No, you can eat and drink normally while using clobetasone.