Dermovate 0.05% Cream 50 g

Dermovate (Clobetasol Propionate) 0.05% Cream 50 g

If you suffer from chronic skin flare ups and other corticosteroid creams have not worked, Dermovate could help. 

Dermovate is a strong topical steroid which is effective in the treatment of severe skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

What is Dermovate?

Dermovate is a cream that contains the active ingredient Clobetasol Propionate, which is a topical corticosteroid (topical means that it is applied direct to affected area, and a corticosteroid reduces inflammation). Dermovate is stronger than other corticosteroids which is only available on prescription. Dermovate is only to be used when other steroid creams have not been effective.

What is Dermovate used for?

Dermovate cream can be used to treat inflammation of the skin, reducing the swelling, redness and itchiness of the skin in certain conditions including:

• Psoriasis - a red, itchy rash that has a silver, scaly, appearance.
• Lupus erythematosus- an autoimmune skin disorder where the skin develops red patches and is more sensitive to UV light.
• Lichen planus- a condition characterised by itchy patches of skin which appear shiny and almost violet in colour.
• Some kinds of eczema.

How does Dermovate Work?

Different skin inflammations flare up for a range of reasons, including autoimmune conditions, allergies, and other external factors such as stress. In some people, these circumstances can cause skin cells to release chemicals that cause swelling, itchy or painful patches of skin. Depending on the severity of the attack, these patches can be localised to just one area, or can be experienced over a large area of the body.

Put simply, Dermovate’s active ingredient, clobetasol, tells the skin’s cells to stop releasing the chemicals that are causing that itching and swelling. 

How do you apply Dermovate?

Dermovate is available as a cream or an ointment. If your skin is dry or scaly, the ointment, which is greasier, may be more suitable.

Your doctor will usually give you specific instructions on dosage but usually it is recommended that you apply a thin layer to the affected area twice a day. Once the condition starts to improve, you can reduce the frequency of application.

Alternative treatments to Dermovate.

There are a range of steroid creams which are used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, including Eumovate and Betnovate. Other, non-steroid creams include Aveeno and E45 cream. It is important to remember that what works for one person with a skin condition may not work for another; your doctor will be able to recommend the treatment that is most likely to be successful, but you may need to try a few different approaches before you find the most effective way of managing a skin condition. It is very important to use an emollient as well as a steroid cream, and to continue the use of emollient between flare ups.

Side effects of Dermovate.

Like most medication, some people who use Dermovate may experience side effects. The most common side effect of Dermovate (affecting up to 1 person in 10) is burning, irritation or itching.

Less common side effects, which are experienced by up to 1 person in 100, include:

• Thinning of the skin, which can lead to stretch marks;
• Clusters of blood vessels under the skin becoming more prominent.

Rare side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10,000 people) that can occur if Dermovate is used continuously over a long period of time:

• Weight gain;
• Rounding of the face;
• Wrinkles;
• Dry skin;
• Skin discolouration;
• Increased body hair;
• Hair loss/ reduced hair growth/ damaged hair.

Very rarely, people using Dermovate experience the following:

• Redness;
• Acne;
• Hives or a rash;
• Infection;
• Pustular psoriasis (a condition where psoriasis sufferers get raised bumps of pus under the skin).
• A reduction in cortisol levels in the blood;
• Increased sugar in blood or urine;
• High blood pressure;
• Cataracts;
• Glaucoma;
• Osteoporosis.

If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist before continuing with treatment.

Who shouldn’t use Dermovate?

Dermovate is a powerful steroid and should only be used when advised by a doctor. You shouldn’t use Dermovate:

• If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients in Dermovate ointment or cream, including clobetasol propionate;
• To treat skin conditions in a child under 18 years old unless advised by a dermatologist.
• To treat: acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, itching around the anus or genitals, itchy skin which isn’t inflamed, plaque psoriasis, or infected skin unless the infection is being treated simultaneously with a separate medicine.