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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Corticosteroids (topical - very potent)

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Corticosteroids (topical - very potent)

  • Apply as directed by your doctor. You will be told how long to use the preparation for.
  • Do not use on broken or infected skin including cold sores, acne, rosacea, chickenpox, ringworm, thrush or athlete's foot.
  • Topical corticosteroids should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children.

About very potent topical corticosteroids

Type of medicineCorticosteroid - clobetasol propionate, diflucortolone valerate
Used forUsed to treat difficult cases of psoriasis and eczema.
Used to treat other skin conditions unresponsive to less potent topical corticosteroids.
Also calledClarelux® (clobetasol propionate)
Dermovate® (clobetasol propionate)
Nerisone® Forte (diflucortolone valearate)
Etrivex® (clobetasol propionate)
Available asCream (Dermovate®)
Foam (Clarelux®)
Oily cream (Nerisone® Forte)
Ointment (Dermovate®, Nerisone® Forte)
Scalp application (Dermovate®)
Shampoo (Etrivex®)

Topical corticosteroids work by being absorbed into the skin cells and stopping these cells from producing chemicals which cause inflammation. This reduces the symptoms of swelling, itching and redness that are associated with inflammatory skin conditions.

Clobetasol propionate and diflucortolone valerate are classed as very potent topical corticosteroids and are used to treat symptoms which are severe or difficult to control.

Before using very potent topical corticosteroids

Before using very potent topical corticosteroids make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have areas of infected skin.
  • If you suffer from acne rosacea.
  • If you suffer from perioral dermatitis (skin rash around the mouth).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use very potent topical corticosteroids

  • Carefully follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how long to use your preparation for.
  • Cream:
  • Apply thinly using the specified number of fingertip units. A fingertip unit is the amount of topical steroid that is squeezed out from a standard tube along an adults fingertip.
  • If your skin problem does not improve in two to four weeks tell your doctor.
  • You should not use this cream in children under one year of age.
  • Foam:
  • Treatment should not exceed 2 weeks and amounts greater than 50 g/week should not be used.
  • Use only on the scalp.
  • Shake the canister well.
  • Turn the canister upside down and dispense a small amount directly onto the scalp taking care to avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Move the hair away from the affected area and gently massage into the scalp, until the foam disappears and is absorbed.
  • Repeat if necessary, to treat the entire affected area.
  • Discard any unused dispensed medication.
  • Scalp application:
  • You should not use this scalp application in children under one year of age.
  • Unscrew the cap on the bottle and place the nozzle on the part of the scalp that needs treating.
  • Gently squeeze the bottle until the area to be treated is completely covered with a thin layer of liquid.
  • Shampoo:
  • This shampoo is for use in adults. It must only be used in children under 18 years of age if it has been recommended by a consultant specialising in skin conditions.
  • Apply the shampoo directly to your dry scalp taking care to cover and massage the affected areas. Leave the shampoo to work for 15 minutes, then wash your hair using your usual shampoo or just rinse and dry your hair.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Wash your hands after handling corticosteroids.
  • Do not apply this preparation near the eyes, and unless your doctor tells you otherwise you must not apply to the face or genital area.

Can very potent topical corticosteroids cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Redness of the skinThis may be a hypersensitivity reaction - speak to your doctor if it persists
Itching or soreness of the skinThis may be an allergic reaction - speak to your doctor if it persists

Important: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling of the eyelids, face or lips as you may be allergic to this preparation.

How to store very potent topical corticosteroids

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has swallowed any of this preparation, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Dermovate® Cream; Patient Information Leaflet, Dermovate® Cream, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised November 2005, accessed 11 June 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Clarelux® cutaneous foam; Patient Information Leaflet, Clarelux® cutaneous foam, Pierre Fabre Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised June 2007, accessed on 11 June 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Dermovate® scalp application; Patient Information Leaflet, Dermovate® scalp application, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised November 2005, accessed 11 June 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Etrivex® Shampoo; Patient Information Leaflet, Etrivex® Shampoo, Galderma Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised January 2007, accessed 11 June 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
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dils2276		Last Reviewed:
10 Aug 2008		Version:
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