What Is Clobetasol Propionate Used For?

People with poison ivy, eczema, or psoriasis may benefit from clobetasol propionate. This prescription medicine comes in various forms and works to treat a wide variety of skin conditions by suppressing an overactive immune system and reducing inflammation. Clobetasol propionate is approved for use in adults and children as young as 12 years of age.

An Overview of Uses for Clobetasol Propionate

Clobetasol propionate (Clobex®, Cormax®, Olux®, Temovate®) is a prescription skin medication used to treat inflammation and itching due to a wide variety of conditions. Some of these conditions include but are not limited to:
 
 
The exact conditions each product is approved to treat (as well as the areas of the body each product is approved to treat) vary, depending on the particular product. Clobetasol propionate comes in the following forms:
 
  • Cream, emollient cream, gel, ointment, or topical scalp solution (see Temovate Uses)
  • Emollient cream (Temovate)
  • Foam or emollient foam (see Olux Uses)
  • Lotion, shampoo, or spray (see Clobex Uses).
 

How Does It Work?

Clobetasol propionate is part of a group of drugs known as glucocorticoids, which are a type of corticosteroid (or "steroid" for short). Although glucocorticoids have numerous effects in the body, they are used mostly for their anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing properties. Clobetasol propionate works for most conditions by decreasing inflammation or suppressing an overactive immune system.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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