Very potent topical corticosteroid
Clobetasol propionate
Brand names: Dermovate, Clarelux, Etrivex
Adult dose
Dose: Apply thinly OD–BD to affected area; max 50g/week; review after 4 weeks
Route: Topical
Frequency: OD-BD
Clinical pearls
- Reserve for severe/refractory eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, pemphigoid
- Step down to less potent steroid as inflammation settles
Contraindications
- Untreated bacterial/viral/fungal skin infection
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Perioral dermatitis
- Use on face/flexures (caution)
- Children <1 yr
Side effects
- Skin atrophy
- Striae
- Telangiectasia
- HPA-axis suppression with extensive use
- Worsening of underlying infection
Interactions
- Avoid concomitant occlusive dressings unless specified
Reference: BNF; NICE CKS eczema/psoriasis; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/clobetasol-propionate/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Pathways
- Suspicious Pigmented Lesion — Melanoma Pathway · NICE NG14 2015 / BAD
- Cellulitis and Erysipelas · NICE NG141 2019 / CREST
- Psoriasis — Severity Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG153 2019 / BAD
- Atopic Eczema — Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG95 2023
- Urticaria and Angioedema · BSACI / EAACI Guidelines 2022
- Acne Vulgaris — Grading and Treatment · NICE NG198 2021 / BAD