From the Research
It is not recommended to apply clobetasol to Pityriasis Rosea. Clobetasol is a high-potency topical corticosteroid that is typically too strong for this condition and may potentially worsen it or cause side effects like skin thinning, striae (stretch marks), or telangiectasia (visible blood vessels) 1. Pityriasis Rosea is a self-limiting skin condition that typically resolves on its own within 6-12 weeks without specific treatment, as noted in a recent review 2. For symptom management, milder treatments are preferred, such as over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream for itching, applied thinly to affected areas twice daily for up to 7 days. Other helpful measures include:
- Lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal
- Moisturizers
- Oral antihistamines like cetirizine 10mg daily for itch relief If symptoms are severe, it's best to consult a healthcare provider who might recommend appropriate treatments, which could include moderate-potency steroids, but typically not clobetasol due to its potency and potential side effects. The most recent and highest quality study on interventions for pityriasis rosea found that oral erythromycin may lead to increased rash improvement and reduction in itch score, but the evidence for other treatments, including corticosteroids, is limited and inconclusive 3.