Clobetasol
About Clobetasol
Clobetasol is used for the treatment of autoimmune skin disorders such as psoriasis (scaly, itchy, and red patches on the skin), lichen planus (purplish, itchy, and flat bumps on the wrists, forearms, or legs), discoid lupus erythematosus (red, coin-shaped scales or crusts on the scalp, cheeks, and ears), and eczema (red and itchy skin). Autoimmune skin disorders are conditions in which immune cells attack the body's healthy cells, causing inflammation. Clobetasol can suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Clobetasol contains Clobetasol, an active corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties on the skin. It reduces swelling, redness, and itching by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation. Thus, Clobetasol aids in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, and discoid lupus erythematosus.
Clobetasol is for external use only. Follow your doctor’s instructions when using Clobetasol. It should be used for the duration prescribed by your doctor, based on your condition. Some people may experience side effects like dry or peeling skin, skin thinning, itching, redness, swelling, irritation, or a burning sensation at the application site. These effects are usually temporary and do not require medical attention. However, if they persist or worsen, consult your doctor for guidance.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Clobetasol or any of the other ingredients present in this medicine. Do not use Clobetasol to treat acne, rosacea (facial flushing on and around the nose), perioral dermatitis (red or scaly rashes around the mouth), anogenital pruritis (itching around the anus or genitals), itchy, broken, or infected skin which is not inflamed, and widespread plaque psoriasis (except single lesions). While applying, make sure it does not come in contact with the eye. If Clobetasol accidentally comes in contact with the eyes, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Please do not use it on unaffected areas or for other skin infections without informing your doctor. Do not use Clobetasol in children under 12 years of age without a doctor's advice.
Uses of Clobetasol
• Treatment of psoriasis: Reduces redness, scaling, and itching caused by plaque psoriasis.
• Management of eczema: Reduces inflammation, dryness, and itching in atopic and contact dermatitis.
• Relief from lichen planus: Reduces swelling and irritation in inflammatory skin disorders like lichen planus.
• Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: Reduce flaking and itching on the scalp and other affected areas.
• Management of discoid lupus erythematosus: Controls dermal symptoms of this autoimmune condition by reducing inflammation.
• Treatment of allergic reactions: Provides relief from redness, swelling, and inflammation caused by allergic skin reactions.
Medicinal Benefits
Clobetasol belongs to a class of medications known as corticosteroids. It reduces swelling, redness, and itching by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation. Thus, Clobetasol aids in treating various skin disorders.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication for safety.
- Take a small amount of medicine and apply it as a thin layer on the affected area.
- It is only for external use. Avoid contact with the nose, mouth, or eyes. In case of accidental contact with these areas, rinse with water thoroughly.
Storage
Side Effects of Clobetasol
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Thinning of the skin
- Redness
- Swelling
- Irritation or burning sensation at the site of application
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor before using Clobetasol if you have previously had an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to another steroid. If there is an overdose, clean the area thoroughly and reapply the medicine. Apply the medication carefully if you are using it on eyelids or near the eyes, as there is a risk of cataracts or glaucoma if the drug enters the eye frequently. Clobetasol can enter the skin easily and may cause skin thinning because of repeated application. So, apply it carefully when using it on broken or damaged skin and large surface areas of skin. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience vision problems or any other abnormal signs. Do not use Clobetasol at the same time as other creams or ointments, such as a moisturiser. Wait at least 30 minutes between using clobetasol and any other product.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Clobetasol may interact with HIV medication (ritonavir) and antifungal medication (itraconazole).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Clobetasol should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, eye problems, skin infections, and adrenal gland problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Clobetasol with alcohol is unknown. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will recommend only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited information on how Clobetasol affects breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before using Clobetasol if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
safe if prescribedClobetasol does not have any effect on driving. But contact a doctor if you have any problems with your vision. Do not drive if you have problems with your eyesight after using Clobetasol.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver disease before using Clobetasol. Your doctor will determine potential risks before prescribing.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have kidney disease before using Clobetasol. Your doctor will determine potential risks before prescribing.
Children
cautionClobetasol should not be used in children under 12 years of age without a doctor's advice.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid) such as apples, cherries, broccoli, spinach and blueberries.
- Consuming food rich in probiotics helps in developing the immune system against allergies.
- Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
- Avoid consumption of foods with excess sugar, as it may flare up inflammation.
- Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.
- Avoid getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Eczema: Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become dry and irritated.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. The severity of psoriasis varies greatly from person to person. For some, it's just a minor irritation, but for others, it can majorly affect their quality of life. Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) disease that usually involves periods when you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, followed by periods when symptoms are more severe.
Lichen planus: Lichen planus is a rash that can affect different parts of your body, including the inside of your mouth. Lichen planus on your skin can be very itchy, but not always.
Lupus: Lupus is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness. There's no cure, but symptoms can improve if treatment starts early.
FAQs
Clobetasol is indicated for the relief of inflammation, redness, swelling and itching associated with corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions.
Clobetasol comprises Clobetasol, an active corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties on the skin. It reduces swelling, redness, and itching by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation. Thus, Clobetasol aids in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, and discoid lupus erythematosus.
Clobetasol may stimulate hair growth. However, it should be used only when advised by a doctor.
Clobetasol is not recommended for the treatment of burns. It should also be not used on broken skin or open wounds.
Clobetasol may increase blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any abnormal signs or symptoms while using Clobetasol.
Using too much of Clobetasol or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems.
Yes, you are eligible to take vaccines, but tell the doctor or nurse that you are using clobetasol so they can give the vaccine in an untreated area of skin.
Clobetasol can bleach and lighten skin. However, using Clobetasol for skin lightening is not clinically established. So, it should be used only when prescribed by a doctor.
No, Clobetasol cannot be used for fungal infections as it is not an antifungal agent.
Clobetasol should be used for a long time only if prescribed by the doctor. This medicine is usually prescribed for the short term, except for certain chronic inflammatory conditions.
Severe skin reactions are rare with Clobetasol. They might occur in people who are hypersensitive to Clobetasol. Consult the doctor if you have itching, rash, or swelling.
Clobetasol should not be used on the face unless advised otherwise by the doctor.
Clobetasol should not be used in children under 12 years of age without a doctor's advice. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Clobetasol is recommended for use in infections as it might worsen the condition. It is used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, and discoid lupus erythematosus.
Do not discontinue Clobetasol without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectively, keep using Clobetasol for the prescribed duration.
Clobetasol may cause side effects like a burning sensation, stinging sensation, itching, dryness, or redness at the application site. Consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
