FAQs related to Clobetasol Propionate 0.05%
Can Clobetasol be used for a long time?
No, Clobetasol should not be used for a long time. It is generally prescribed for 2 consecutive weeks only. However, the treatment can be longer for chronic (long-term) inflammatory conditions. Consult your physician before using this medication.
Does Clobetasol cause severe skin reactions?
Severe skin reactions are quite rare with Clobetasol. Clobetasol is an anti-inflammatory drug which is used to treat skin diseases, skin reactions and eczemas. However, skin reactions can occur in a person who is hypersensitive to Clobetasol. It is important to leave the affected area open after applying Clobetasol as using occlusive dressings (air- and water-tight dressing) can lead to skin reactions. The medicine may not itself cause a reaction but the added excipients with the medications can lead to a reaction in some cases. Inform your doctor immediately in case you encounter any skin reactions.
Can Clobetasol be used on the face?
No, Clobetasol should not be used on face. Along with that, its use should be avoided in other areas like the axillae (armpits), groin and if there is atrophy (wasting away of tissues) at the treatment site. However, in certain circumstances, the doctor may prescribe Clobetasol only when considered necessary. It should be used only after consultation with your physician. and if possible, the application on face should be limited to a maximum of 5 days.
Can Clobetasol be applied in children?
Clobetasol is not recommended to be used in children less than 1 year of age. Other than that, its use should be avoided in older children and adolescents as the side effects are more common in them. This is because there is an increased risk of suppression of the immune system in young children which may make them prone to other diseases and atrophic changes. However, in some rare cases, the doctor may recommend this medicine, but the treatment is usually limited to 5 days and the therapy is reviewed weekly.
Can we use Clobetasol in infections?
Clobetasol is not an antimicrobial or antifungal agent. It is a steroid medication which can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infections. Hence, it should not be used for treating infections. In case the inflammatory lesions get infected or there is any spread of infection, consult your doctor immediately. The doctor will withdraw the use of Clobetasol and provide appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Can I stop taking Clobetasol when my symptoms are relieved?
No, do not stop taking Clobetasol and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before your treatment is complete. Stopping Clobetasol before your treatment is completed can bring back your symptoms.
Does Clobetasol cause dangerous skin reactions?
Local skin reactions are quite rare with Clobetasol. Being an anti-inflammatory drug, it is used to treat skin diseases, skin reactions, and eczemas. Still, skin reactions can occur in a person who is hypersensitive to Clobetasol. It is important to leave the affected area open after applying Clobetasol as using occlusive dressings (air- and water-tight dressing) can lead to skin reactions. If not by the medicine itself, sometimes the reactions are also caused by the added excipients with the medications. Inform your doctor immediately in case you encounter any skin reactions.