Has a healthcare provider recently given you a prescription for clobetasol to help treat psoriasis? Anytime you get a new medication, it can help to learn about it so you understand how to get the most out of it. Here’s what you should know about clobetasol.

What Is Clobetasol?

Clobetasol propionate is a topical steroid that’s often used to help treat psoriasis, among other skin conditions, including eczema or dermatitis. Clobetasol helps lower the amount of inflammation in your skin. This, in turn, can help reduce symptoms like itching, swelling, skin discoloration, and skin rashes.

Clobetasol can be used as a spray, a foam, an ointment, a lotion, a cream, or a shampoo. Different forms are used on mild, moderate, or severe plaque psoriasis. Clobetasol can be used alongside other forms of treatment that your dermatologist prescribes, like psoriasis moisturizers.

Is Clobetasol a Strong Steroid?

Clobetasol is a strong steroid. However, the strength depends on what form you’re using. The National Psoriasis Foundation classifies some forms of it as super potent, ultra high. Other forms are high potency. If you’re concerned about the strength, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure it’s the best option for you. Other steroids like flucinonide or halobetasol are also available.

Is Clobetasol Good for Psoriasis?

Clobetasol has long been seen as a highly effective treatment for psoriasis. The exact rate of effectiveness depends on what form you use it in and how concentrated it is in that form. It may even be more effective than other topical steroids commonly used to treat psoriasis, like betamethasone with calcipotriene. Researchers are experimenting with new formulations of clobetasol to help people use it more effectively and with fewer side effects.

How Long Does It Take for Clobetasol To Work for Psoriasis?

It usually only takes a few days for clobetasol to start working on psoriasis. That said, you can use it for up to four weeks straight, so it may take some additional time to see the results you’re looking for in a particular affected area. A lot of people find that they only need to use it for a week, though you should follow your healthcare professional’s instructions about how long to keep applying it.

Potential Risks of Using Clobetasol

There are a number of side effects that you may experience when you use clobetasol. Many people find that their skin feels like it’s burning or stinging after they apply it, though this usually goes away after a few days of use.

More serious side effects are rare. If you have symptoms of a skin infection, like oozing yellow fluid or visible pus, talk to your dermatology team to get medical advice right away. If you feel sick or experience stomach issues, dizziness, confusion, or eye problems, you may need emergency help. One side effect is a severe allergic reaction. If you feel like you can’t breathe or you faint or turn blue, have someone call for emergency help.

Using clobetasol long term can cause additional side effects. These may include:

• Adrenal gland problems
• Stretch marks
• Areas of thin skin

You may also experience skin that gets discolored and burns or feels uncomfortable when you stop clobetasol after long-term use. This should go away as your skin in the treated area gets used to being without the topical cream. Your doctor might advise you to reduce your dose gradually to avoid these reactions.

What Happens if You Use Too Much Clobetasol?

If you accidentally use more clobetasol than your doctor ordered, either wipe it off (if you can) or switch to the right dose the next time you use it. There’s a chance that using too much will make it more likely you’ll have side effects, but there’s not much data available on the topic.

If you have serious symptoms after using too much, get emergency help right away. Similarly, the medication can be dangerous if swallowed, and you'll need emergency help if that happens.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you ever used clobetasol for psoriasis treatment? How did it work for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.