Temovate® (Clobetasol Propionate) Topical: Uses, Forms, and Safety

What Temovate® Is and How It Works

Clobetasol propionate is a super high potency topical corticosteroid. It treats inflammatory skin conditions such as plaque psoriasis, chronic eczematous dermatitis, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, and stubborn atopic dermatitis flares. Prescribers may also use it short term for alopecia areata and other steroid-responsive dermatoses. Forms include clobetasol cream, clobetasol ointment, clobetasol gel, and clobetasol propionate topical solution or lotion for scalp.

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Clobetasol reduces inflammation by constricting skin blood vessels and suppressing pro‑inflammatory cytokines. It relieves redness, thick scaling, and itch. The usual strength is clobetasol propionate 0.05 in cream, ointment, gel, or solution. The medicine is for external use only. For scalp disease, a clobetasol solution for scalp or foam allows easy application through hair.

For plaque on elbows, knees, and palms or soles, ointments often give stronger occlusion and penetration. Creams feel lighter, which helps with daytime use or skin folds when a prescriber deems high potency appropriate. Solutions or lotions spread through hair-bearing areas. Patients with Psoriasis often rotate therapies to limit steroid exposure while maintaining control.

Brand references vary by region. Temovate is a known brand for clobetasol in the United States, and Dermovate is used in some countries. Generic clobetasol offers the same active ingredient and strength.

Dosage and Usage

• Apply a thin layer to affected skin once or twice daily as directed. Typical courses last up to 1–2 weeks for clobetasol 0.05 cream or clobetasol 0.05 ointment.
• For thick plaques, an ointment may be preferred. For hairy areas, use clobetasol propionate topical solution or lotion.
• Gently rub in until the product disappears. Avoid eyes, mouth, and broken skin.
• Do not use clobetasol on face, groin, or armpits unless specifically directed by a clinician.
• Do not bandage or occlude unless instructed. Occlusion increases absorption and risk of side effects.
• Use the smallest amount that controls symptoms. Limit total weekly amount per prescriber guidance.
• Missed dose: apply when remembered. If near the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double apply.
• Stop when inflammation settles, or switch to a lower potency steroid as advised to maintain control.

• Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Protect from excessive heat and freezing.
• Keep the cap tightly closed. Store tubes upright when possible.
• Avoid open flames and heat sources for aerosol or foam formats.
• When traveling, keep clobetasol topical in a carry-on. Use a resealable bag to prevent leaks.
• Do not transfer product to unmarked containers. Keep out of reach of children.

Benefits and Savings

Clobetasol topical is among the most effective steroids for thick plaques and severe flares. It quickly eases itch and redness, and can soften scale within days. Short courses help bring disease under control before stepping down to a lower potency agent. Multiple forms fit different body sites, including clobetasol solution for scalp disorders.

Ordering from YouDrugstore provides Canadian pricing for both brand and generic choices. Many customers save 60–80% versus typical U.S. pharmacy prices, especially on multi-tube supplies. You can view clobetasol price options on each product page and compare clobetasol propionate cream price across pack sizes. Multi-month supplies or bulk promotions can lower per‑month costs, and reorder reminders help prevent gaps in therapy.

Side Effects and Safety

• Burning, stinging, or itching at the application site
• Dryness, irritation, or redness
• Skin thinning (atrophy) with prolonged or inappropriate use
• Stretch marks, easy bruising, or visible small blood vessels
• Folliculitis or acne-like eruptions
• Perioral dermatitis or rosacea worsening
• Change in skin color or delayed wound healing

Serious effects are uncommon with short, directed courses. Risks increase with large areas, occlusion, prolonged use, or use on thin skin. Potential systemic effects include reversible suppression of the adrenal axis, high blood sugar, glaucoma or cataracts with periocular use, and increased infection risk. Avoid clobetasol on face unless instructed because the skin is thin and more prone to atrophy and telangiectasia. Pediatric patients absorb more medicine through the skin and need extra caution. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding before use.

Onset Time

Many patients notice itch relief within a few days. Redness and scaling typically improve within 3–7 days as dosing stabilizes. Thick plaques may require 1–2 weeks to flatten. For scalp disease, clobetasol propionate for scalp often reduces flaking and itch during the first week. Hair regrowth in alopecia areata, if it occurs, generally takes longer and remains variable. Continued maintenance usually involves step-down to a lower potency steroid or nonsteroid therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Medium potency steroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide, suit widespread eczema or maintenance after a clobetasol course. They carry a lower risk of atrophy on body skin and are better for longer use. Low potency options like hydrocortisone are preferred on the face or skin folds for safety reasons.

Another ultra-potent alternative is halobetasol. It has similar efficacy and precautions. Choice often depends on local availability, patient preference for cream versus ointment, and clinician experience.

Nonsteroidal options can reduce steroid exposure. Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) help facial or intertriginous dermatitis. For moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, biologic therapy such as Cosentyx® may be considered when topical control is inadequate. In some acute inflammatory conditions, a short systemic steroid burst like Prednisone may be used, with careful taper plans set by a clinician.

For more background on topical steroids and potency classes, see our article The Skinny On Topical Steroids What Are They Medicial Use And More.

Combination Therapy

• Emollients: liberal moisturizers to restore barrier and reduce steroid needs.
• Keratolytics: salicylic acid or urea to reduce scale and enhance penetration.
• Vitamin D analogs: calcipotriol with a steroid rotation for plaque psoriasis.
• Antifungals or antibiotics: when secondary infection coexists.
• Calcineurin inhibitors: for maintenance on face, groin, or axillae.
• Scalp care: medicated shampoos plus clobetasol propionate 0.05 solution or foam for flares.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Clobetasol topical is intended for short, targeted use on thick or severe lesions. It is not suitable for acne, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis. Avoid routine use on face, eyelids, groin, and armpits unless a prescriber determines the benefit outweighs risk. Do not apply to untreated skin infections. People with impaired skin barrier, children, and older adults may need lower potency or shorter courses.

Discuss past steroid responses, eye conditions, glaucoma risk, and all current medicines. Report signs of infection or lack of response. If a strong steroid is needed again, prescribers often advise pulse or weekend therapy to limit exposure.

To manage costs, consider generic clobetasol propionate 0.05 formulations. Ointments and creams may differ in price. Larger pack sizes often improve unit pricing. Multi-month orders can lower shipping fees per tube. You can set a reorder reminder in your account so you never run out. For those comparing clobetasol propionate cream cost across pharmacies, Canadian pricing from YouDrugstore is often competitive.

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed search: clobetasol propionate topical products

Health Canada Drug Product Database: clobetasol propionate

Dermovate (clobetasol propionate) cream SmPC – UK EMC

Order Clobetasol from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions for diagnosis and treatment.