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What Is Clobetasol?

Clobetasol propionate is a prescription super-high potency topical corticosteroid used for selected inflammatory and itchy skin disorders. It comes in creams, ointments, gels, topical liquid, shampoo, and other topical forms. Indications, treatment length, age limits, and application instructions differ across formulations.

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What Is Clobetasol?

Clobetasol propionate is a prescription super-high potency topical corticosteroid used for selected inflammatory and itchy skin disorders. It comes in creams, ointments, gels, topical liquid, shampoo, and other topical forms. Indications, treatment length, age limits, and application instructions differ across formulations.

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How Does Clobetasol Reduce Skin Inflammation?

The exact anti-inflammatory mechanism of topical corticosteroids is not fully defined. Clobetasol has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive activity. Corticosteroids are thought to induce proteins that reduce formation of inflammatory mediators derived from arachidonic acid, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Which Conditions Are Treated With Clobetasol?

Clobetasol indications depend on the formulation. Current 0.05% emollient cream labeling includes corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients age 12 and older and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis under specified limits. Shampoo formulations are used for moderate to severe scalp psoriasis in adults. Other topical products have formulation-specific indications.

How Is Clobetasol Applied?

Directions depend on the formulation. Current 0.05% emollient cream labeling uses a thin layer twice daily and limits routine treatment to two consecutive weeks, with a maximum of 50 g per week. Treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis can continue for up to four weeks under labeled restrictions.

What Safety Problems Need Attention With Clobetasol?

Clobetasol can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and can cause Cushing syndrome, high blood glucose, skin thinning, stretch marks, visible small blood vessels, irritation, and allergic contact dermatitis. Systemic absorption rises with large treatment areas, prolonged use, damaged skin, or occlusion. Use on the face, groin, or underarms is restricted in several formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clobetasol

Is clobetasol a corticosteroid?

Yes. Clobetasol propionate is a super-high potency topical corticosteroid.

What conditions does clobetasol treat?

Formulation-specific uses include corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, plaque psoriasis, and scalp psoriasis.

How long is clobetasol cream used?

Current 0.05% emollient cream labeling limits routine treatment to two consecutive weeks, with longer plaque psoriasis treatment under specified restrictions.

Can clobetasol be used on the face?

Several current formulations direct patients to avoid use on the face, groin, and underarms.

References

Clobetasol Propionate. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Clobetasol-propionate. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.

Clobetasol Topical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a686008.html. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.

DailyMed - CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE (EMOLLIENT) cream. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=26ccb1d8-c466-e238-e063-6394a90a0069. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.

DailyMed - CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE shampoo. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=91e7bf57-d236-4b9b-8241-e71e5e93617a. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.

DailyMed - CLOBEX (clobetasol propionate) shampoo. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=acb3a25e-5746-4df6-89fd-cf3023e755cc. Date Accessed September 22, 2026.