Clobetasone Butyrate 0.05% Cream

Clobetasone is suitable for most adults and children over 12 years old. If you have a flare of eczema, the first step is usually to try a medical-grade moisturiser. If you have tried moisturising and seen no improvement, another option could be to try a steroid cream such as hydrocortisone or clobetasone. Clobetasone is more potent and should be used only after trying hydrocortisone first without satisfactory improvement. The cream aims to help inflammatory skin conditions by reducing inflammation and irritation for a short period of time. They are particularly useful at controlling short-term flares of skin and breaking the itch-scratch cycle. Steroid creams for nappy rash and other skin problems in children under 12 years old are only available on prescription.

Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% is a steroid (corticosteroid) and reduces the body's response to inflammatory reactions. By applying it directly to inflamed skin, the aim is to reduce inflammation in that area using the least amount of steroid possible.

Like all medications, don’t take them if you have previously had an allergic reaction to the medication, or if you have other medications or medical conditions where you would normally discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting something new.

Clobetasone should be used for a maximum of 7 days in a row. It should be used on any children under the age of 12. It cannot be used on any open skin, and on any sensitive areas of the body, such as the face. Some people complain of a burning sensation when first applied, however, this sensation tends to disappear after a few days of applying.

Wash and dry your hands and then squeeze out the amount of cream required. It is recommended to use a pea-size amount for a palm-size surface area. Spread the cream in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin. Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction the hair grows until it disappears.

Be careful not to get the cream into broken skin or cuts. Wash your hands afterward (unless you are treating the skin on your hands). Make sure if treating eczema that you are moisturising up to 4 times a day to maximise the effect of clobetasone and also to ensure the irritation isn’t being caused by dry skin.