Clobetasone (Eumovate)

NHS information about hydrocortisone for skin, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to take it and possible side effects.

There is also a medicine called clobetasol which sounds similar to clobetasone. Clobetasol is a stronger steroid and is only available with a prescription.

What clobetasone is for

Clobetasone is a type of medicine called a steroid (corticosteroid).

Steroid medicines help reduce inflammation and swelling. They're different to anabolic steroids, which some people use illegally to help build bigger muscles.

Clobetasone is a medium strength steroid, which means it tends to cause fewer side effects than some other steroids.

Clobetasone can be used to treat skin conditions such as:

It may also be used to help keep your condition under control between courses of a stronger steroid. This is known as maintenance therapy.

There is also a medicine that contains clobetasone combined with an antibiotic and an anti-fungal medicine. This is used to treat skin conditions where there is an infection.

How to use clobetasone

Clobetasone comes as cream or ointment that you'll usually use once or twice a day.

The amount of clobetasone you need depends on the size of the area you're treating. You only need to use enough to cover the affected area in a thin layer.

It's measured in fingertip units, which is the amount you can fit onto the end of your finger from the tip to the first crease. A fingertip unit is enough to treat an area twice the size of the palm of an adult's hand. Children will need to use less cream but you can still use an adult's fingertip to measure the units needed.

Side effects of clobetasone

Like all medicines, clobetasone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Possible side effects of clobetasone include:

Clobetasone does not usually affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of clobetasone.

For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website

Who can and cannot use clobetasone

Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can use clobetasone.

Children aged 11 years or under should only use it if advised to by a doctor.

Clobetasone is not suitable for everyone. For example, you may not be able to use it if you have:

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can use it.

Breastfeeding and clobetasone

You can usually use clobetasone while breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

If you're using clobetasone on your chest (particularly on your breasts and nipples) while breastfeeding, wash it off with warm water before feeding your baby.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicines you're using but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and clobetasone

If you're pregnant, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using clobetasone.

You can usually use clobetasone during pregnancy, although a pharmacist or doctor may advise using small amounts for the shortest possible time.

Find out more about using steroids on your skin during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Using clobetasone with other medicines, food and drink

It's unlikely other medicines will affect the way clobetasone works.

But before you use it, speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're taking any other medicines, or any herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with clobetasone

You can eat and drink as normal while using clobetasone.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can: