Clobetasone butyrate for inflammatory skin conditions

About clobetasone butyrate

Clobetasone butyrate is classed as a moderately potent topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids are also referred to as topical steroids. Topical steroids are used in addition to moisturisers (emollients) for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. A topical steroid is used when patches of eczema or dermatitis flare up. Clobetasone butyrate relieves the symptoms of a flare-up by reducing inflammation, itching and redness. It is not a cure for the condition, but it will help to relieve the symptoms. Although less potent topical steriods are often preferred for use in children, a short course of clobetasone butyrate may be prescribed for a child with severe eczema on the arms or legs.

Short courses of clobetasone butyrate may also be prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis for areas such as the face, or the inside of elbows and behind the knees.

It is likely you will be prescribed a cream if the affected areas of your skin are moist or weeping, or an ointment if your skin is dry. Clobetasone butyrate is available on prescription. Small packs of clobetasone butyrate can also be bought at a pharmacy, without a prescription, under certain conditions.

There is a brand of clobetasone butyrate called Trimovate®. This cream contains two antibacterial agents in addition to the topical steroid. These are oxytetracycline and nystatin. You may be prescribed this for a short period if some areas of your skin have become infected. It is typically used twice a day for one week only.

Before using clobetasone butyrate

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using clobetasone butyrate it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you have any areas of infected skin.

• If you have rosacea or acne.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a skin preparation.

How to use clobetasone butyrate

• Before you start using the preparation, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about topical steroids and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects that you may experience from using them.

• Apply a small amount to the areas of skin which are inflamed. Then gently rub it into the skin until it has disappeared. Unless you have been prescribed the brand called Trimovate®, do not use it on any areas of infected skin.

• Your doctor will tell you how often to apply the cream or ointment. It should not be applied more than twice a day, and once a day is often sufficient.

• The amount of topical steroid that you should apply is commonly measured by fingertip units (FTUs). One FTU is the amount of cream or ointment that is squeezed out along an adult's fingertip (that is, from the very end of the finger to the first crease in the finger). As a guide, one FTU is enough to cover an area twice the size of an adult hand. Your doctor will give you an idea of how many FTUs you will need to cover the area of your skin which is affected.

• If you are using more than one topical corticosteroid, make sure you know when and where to use each one. If you are unsure, check with your doctor or ask your pharmacist for further advice.

• After you have applied clobetasone butyrate, remember to wash your hands (unless your hands are the treated area).

• If you are using clobetasone butyrate for psoriasis, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It should not be used for large areas of psoriasis or for long periods of time, as these can cause your symptoms to flare up again afterwards.

• Children are susceptible to side-effects from topical steroids. The main concern is for children who need frequent courses, as it can have an effect on their growth and this may need to be monitored. If your child has been prescribed clobetasone butyrate, follow the directions you have been given very carefully, and do not use it for longer than you have been told to. As a general rule, it should not be used for more than 1-2 weeks in children. It is not suitable for children under 12 years of age unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are using a moisturiser along with this preparation, apply the moisturiser first. Then wait 10-15 minutes before applying clobetasone butyrate. This allows time for the moisturiser to be absorbed before the topical corticosteroid is applied. Your skin should be moist but not slippery when you apply clobetasone butyrate.

• If you have been told to use the cream/ointment on your face, be careful not to get any near your eyes and do not use it for longer periods of time than you have been advised.

• Unless advised to do so by your doctor, do not apply a bandage or dressing to the area being treated, as this will increase absorption of the steroid through your skin and increase the risk of side-effects.

• Your doctor will tell you how long to use the preparation for. The general rule is to continue to use the cream/ointment until the flare-up has gone and then to stop it. A course of treatment for 7-14 days is often sufficient. If your symptoms have not improved after this time (or if they get worse), speak again with your doctor for further advice. Some people with severe skin conditions may be advised to use it for up to four weeks between courses of more potent topical steroids. Clobetasone butyrate should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children.

• If you are using Trimovate® cream, be careful not to let the preparation come into contact with your clothing, as it may stain.

• After you finish using clobetasone butyrate, continue to use your moisturiser every day. This will help to prevent a further flare-up. Your doctor may also prescribe a less potent steroid cream for you to use when needed.

Can clobetasone butyrate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects but not everyone will experience them. Although side-effects from moderately potent corticosteroids like clobetasone butyrate are rare, you can reduce the risk further by applying the preparation thinly, no more than twice a day, and to the affected areas only.

Important: there is a risk of fire when creams and ointments are absorbed by fabrics (such as clothing or bedsheets), making them flammable. A spark or flame can easily ignite the fabric. The risk is highest when large amounts of paraffin-based products are applied and absorb into fabrics. However there is also a risk when non-paraffin products are used. Be aware of this fire hazard when repeatedly using large amounts of any skin product. Do not smoke or go near naked flames.

When used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist, steroid creams will be applied in small quantities on small areas of skin. There should be minimal absorption into fabrics and a lower risk of fire.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the cream/ointment, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store clobetasone butyrate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines