Clobetasol propionate is one of the medications doctors prescribe to treat psoriasis. While the condition doesn’t have a cure, medications like clobetasol can help people manage painful symptoms.
Living with psoriasis can be challenging. This skin condition can cause physical discomfort and emotional stress when it flares up. People diagnosed with psoriasis know that the treatment is about managing symptoms.
Clobetasol propionate is one option for treatment. Read on to find out how clobetasol works, how it can help relieve psoriasis symptoms, and if it’s right for you.
Psoriasis is a disease that affects skin cells. Experts aren’t sure what causes psoriasis, but it’s believed that it’s connected to an immune system dysfunction.
Normally, skin cells go through a growth process that starts deep below the skin’s surface layer. It takes the cells about a month to rise to the skin’s surface. This is called turnover. This process can happen in only a few days for people with psoriasis.
For those with light skin tones, this typically causes patches that are itchy, thick, red, and scaly.
It can appear salmon-colored with silvery-white scales for those with medium skin tones.
For darker skin tones, psoriasis looks violet with gray scales. Or it can also appear dark brown and difficult to see.
These patches can be painful and generally don’t go away without some type of treatment.
Psoriasis can affect anyone at any age. People with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it.
Psoriasis symptoms may fade over time (remission) or get worse (flare). People have different triggers that can
- stress
- infections
- extreme weather changes that cause dry skin
- smoking cigarettes
- skin injuries like a bad sunburn, cuts, and bug bites
- some medications, including blood pressure drugs
There are several different types of psoriasis, and it’s possible to experience two types of psoriasis simultaneously.
Clobetasol propionate is a high dose corticosteroid medication used to reduce pain and itching caused by skin conditions like psoriasis.
Your doctor must prescribe this medication (it can’t be bought over the counter), and you’ll need to use it as directed.
Clobetasol propionate is available in the following forms:
- cream
- ointment
- gel
- spray
- foam
- lotion
- shampoo
The form you’re prescribed and how often you apply it depends on how severe your psoriasis is.
It’s important to follow the instructions on the medication’s packaging and the directions your doctor gives you.
In the United States, clobetasol has several brand names:
- Clobetavix
- Clobex
- Clodan
- Impeklo
- Impoyz
- Olux
- Tasoprol
- Temovate
- Tovet
Clobetasol propionate works by getting the body to stop its extreme immune response. When the immune system’s reaction calms down, cell turnover slows, and the itchy, scaly rash improves.
Psoriasis treatment typically depends on how severe your symptoms are and what type of psoriasis you have.
A doctor may prescribe a skin cream or ointment like clobetasol propionate to people with mild to moderate psoriasis.
Clobetasol propionate starts to become absorbed by the body as soon as it’s applied to your skin. As with many topical creams, there’s the possibility of a negative reaction.
The most common side effects of clobetasol propionate include:
- dry or cracked skin
- a rash or hives
- thinning skin in the area where the medication is placed (usually due to long-term use)
- acne
- hair loss
More severe side effects include:
- severe irritation of the treated area
- blurred vision or tunnel vision
- cataracts
- glaucoma
- eye pain
- high blood sugar (which can include increased urination and thirst, as well as a “fruity” odor to the breath)
- an allergic reaction that causes swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
If you or someone you’re treating experiences any of these more severe side effects, it’s essential to talk with a doctor immediately.
Clobetasol is a strong corticosteroid. It should be used exactly as your doctor prescribes. You’ll probably be told to use it only when your psoriasis flares up, not as a preventive measure.
Clobetasol propionate is a potent corticosteroid used for certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
It comes in many different forms — including gels, shampoo, and creams — and must be prescribed by a doctor.
It’s usually prescribed for short-term use. Your doctor will most likely recommend you slowly taper off using it once your psoriasis flare-up has eased.
