From the Guidelines
Clobetasol cream is a highly potent topical corticosteroid used for the treatment of various skin conditions, including bullous pemphigoid, psoriasis, and lichen sclerosus.
Uses of Clobetasol Cream
- Bullous Pemphigoid: Clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream is used to treat bullous pemphigoid, with an initial dose of 30-40 g per day, applied to the entire body, including normal skin and blisters, but sparing the face 1.
- Psoriasis: Clobetasol cream is used to treat psoriasis, with efficacy rates ranging from 58% to 92% in several randomized controlled trials, and is typically applied to the affected area 2-4 weeks 1.
- Lichen Sclerosus: Clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment is the recommended treatment for adult female anogenital lichen sclerosus, applied once daily for 4 weeks, then on alternate nights for 4 weeks, and then twice weekly for a further 4 weeks 1.
Key Points
- The dose and duration of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient response.
- Clobetasol cream should be used with caution and under medical supervision to minimize the risk of adverse effects, such as skin atrophy and systemic absorption.
- Patients should be instructed on the safe use of the topical corticosteroid and monitored for signs of adverse effects. Some studies suggest that clobetasol cream can be used for maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of symptoms, with a dose of 10-20 g per day applied to lesional skin only 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clobetasol propionate topical solution, USP is indicated for short-term topical treatment of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of moderate to severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the scalp. The uses of Clobetasol cream are for the short-term topical treatment of:
- Inflammatory manifestations
- Pruritic manifestations of moderate to severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the scalp 2
From the Research
Uses of Clobetasol Cream
- Clobetasol cream is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis 3, 4
- It is a topical corticosteroid, classified as a super-high-potency corticosteroid, and is available in various formulations, including creams, ointments, and foams 3, 4
- Clobetasol cream is used to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching associated with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis 5, 4
- It can be used for short-term treatment of up to three weeks for super-high-potency corticosteroids or up to 12 weeks for high- or medium-potency corticosteroids 3
- Clobetasol cream may be used in combination with other treatments, such as topical vitamin D analogs, for the treatment of psoriasis 4
Benefits and Risks
- Clobetasol cream can provide effective relief from symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions, but long-term use can increase the risk of adverse effects such as skin thinning, rosacea, and telangiectasias 3, 5
- The risk of adverse effects increases with prolonged use, large area of application, higher potency, occlusion, and application to areas of thinner skin such as the face and genitals 3
- Patients should be taught correct application techniques, such as the fingertip unit method, to minimize the risk of adverse effects 3
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Clobetasol cream has been compared with other topical treatments, such as topical calcineurin inhibitors and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis 5
- The effectiveness of clobetasol cream may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the individual patient's response to treatment 5, 4