Clobetasol Propionate Topical Cream, Ointment, and Solution

What Clobetasol Is and How It Works

Clobetasol propionate is a super-high potency topical corticosteroid used for short courses on stubborn inflammatory skin conditions. Doctors use it for plaque psoriasis, eczema flares, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, and some cases of alopecia areata. It is available as clobetasol propionate cream 0.05, clobetasol propionate ointment 0.05, and clobetasol propionate topical solution 0.05 for scalp use. You may also see brand names like Temovate and Clobex in some markets.

This medicine reduces redness, swelling, and itch by suppressing overactive local immune pathways in the skin. The effect is strong and targeted when used as directed. Most people apply a thin layer once or twice daily for a short period. The solution or lotion format helps treat the scalp and other hairy areas. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba and meeting Canadian pharmacy standards, and our team coordinates sourcing and shipment through partner pharmacies while licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

We work with vetted international partner pharmacies so you receive authentic brands and a wide selection at competitive pricing. We coordinate your order from checkout to shipment for a smooth experience, and our friendly customer-service chat is available during posted office hours.

Dosage and Usage

Your doctor will set your plan. Typical directions for adults:

• Wash and dry hands and affected skin.
• Apply a thin layer of clobetasol cream or clobetasol ointment to the area.
• Use the smallest amount that covers the rash (often 0.5–1 fingertip unit for a hand-sized area).
• Apply once or twice daily as directed, usually for up to 2 weeks.
• For the scalp, use clobetasol solution for scalp. Part the hair, put a few drops on plaques, and gently rub in.
• Do not use more than 50 g per week total from all forms unless your prescriber advises.
• Do not bandage or occlude unless your prescriber instructs. Occlusion increases absorption and side effects.
• Avoid eyes, mouth, groin, armpits, and face unless your prescriber specifically directs.

Missed dose: Apply when remembered, then return to your schedule. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double up. Stop when your prescriber instructs or the course ends. Long continuous use can thin skin and suppress your adrenal glands.

• Storage: Keep at room temperature, capped tight, away from heat and sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep solution away from open flame.
• Travel: Pack upright in a sealed bag. Keep in original labeled containers. Avoid leaving in a hot car. If flying, carry it in your hand luggage.

Children absorb more steroid through thin skin. Use the least amount for the shortest time. Diaper areas act like occlusion and increase absorption. Ask the prescriber before any use in children.

Benefits and Savings

Clobetasol topical helps calm severe flares fast. Many patients see itch relief within a few days and plaque flattening within 1 to 2 weeks. The cream spreads easily for smooth areas. The ointment protects very dry plaques. The solution reaches scalp plaques without leaving heavy residue.

Ordering from YouDrugstore is convenient and affordable. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, along with OTC health products. Typical customers save about 60–80% versus usual US retail pricing on many prescriptions. You can place orders online or by phone, and we can send discreet reorder reminders to help you stay on track. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions can lower your per-month cost when appropriate.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: Mild burning, stinging, itching, dryness, or redness at the site.
• Less common: Folliculitis, rash, acne-like bumps, skin lightening, or excessive hair growth.
• With prolonged or heavy use: Skin thinning, stretch marks, easy bruising, visible blood vessels, delayed wound healing.
• Systemic effects with excessive absorption: Adrenal suppression, weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or infection risk.
• Eye risks if used near eyes: Glaucoma or cataracts.

Stop and seek medical advice if you have skin infection signs (pus, spreading redness), severe irritation, vision changes, or symptoms of adrenal suppression such as unusual fatigue or dizziness. Do not use on rosacea, acne, or perioral dermatitis unless your prescriber directs. Tell your prescriber if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Avoid use under tight diapers unless directed. Do not use clobetasol topical long-term without medical supervision.

Onset Time

Itch and redness often improve within 1 to 3 days. Thick plaques may need 1 to 2 weeks to soften and flatten. If the rash is not better after two weeks of clobetasol 0.05 cream or clobetasol 0.05 ointment, check with your prescriber. They may taper, switch potency, or change therapy based on your response.

Compare With Alternatives

Many topical steroids exist. Clobetasol propionate 0.05 is at the highest potency. It suits thick plaques on elbows, knees, palms, soles, and the scalp for short bursts. Medium to high potency options, such as betamethasone dipropionate or mometasone, may be safer for longer courses or for areas with thinner skin.

Non-steroid options help sensitive areas or maintenance therapy. Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, avoid steroid thinning risks and can be rotated with steroids. For psoriasis, vitamin D analogs like calcipotriol often pair with or alternate with clobetasol.

For moderate to severe plaque psoriasis not controlled with topicals, systemic biologics may be considered. Your prescriber might discuss agents like Cosentyx. Short courses of oral steroids sometimes help severe dermatitis flares, but require close guidance; see Prednisone for context. For acne or follicular conditions, isotretinoin products such as Clarus target a different pathway, but they are not substitutes for clobetasol.

Combination Therapy

Clobetasol often fits into a broader plan. Emollients reduce dryness and can improve steroid penetration when used after bathing. Keratolytics, such as salicylic acid, help scale lift in psoriasis. Antifungal shampoos or creams help in seborrheic dermatitis when Malassezia yeast contributes. Antibiotics may be added if your skin lesions become infected. Your clinician may schedule weekend-only maintenance after an initial daily course to lower relapse risk. This tapering approach helps control disease while limiting steroid exposure.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Clobetasol propionate use is best for thick, localized, steroid-responsive plaques. It is not well suited for large body areas, the face, skin folds, or groin. People with uncontrolled diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, skin infections, or poor wound healing should discuss risks before use. Children, older adults, and those with thin skin need shorter courses and careful follow-up.

You can reduce costs by ordering the format that matches your sites, so you do not overuse product. The ointment may go further on thick plaques, while the solution targets scalp with fewer wasted grams. Ask your prescriber about step-down to a lower potency steroid for maintenance and use clobetasol for short rescue bursts. Consider multi-pack orders when appropriate for additional savings. We also offer discreet reorder reminders to help plan ahead.

To learn about steroid strengths and safe application, see our article The Skinny On Topical Steroids What Are They Medicial Use And More. For itch-focused therapy discussions, you can review What Is Doxepin Hydrochloride Cream Used For. Explore related condition pages, including Psoriasis and Eczema, to see options that may fit your treatment plan.

Authoritative Sources

Review official details in these resources:

• FDA Prescribing Information for Clobetasol Propionate Cream, 0.05%
• Health Canada Drug Product Database: Clobetasol Propionate
• Clobex (clobetasol propionate) Brand Information

Ready to order? YouDrugstore coordinates your prescription with licensed partner pharmacies and ships to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping where needed. Our support team is here during posted hours to help with ordering and product questions.

This information does not replace your prescriber’s advice. Use clobetasol topical only as directed by your healthcare professional. Always read the package insert for your specific product.