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Steroid · Ultra-potent topical corticosteroid (Class I / Group I — most potent class)

Dermovate (Clobetasol Propionate)

Also sold as: Dermovate, Tenovate, Clobeta, Clobetasol (Cipla), Clovate

Pregnancy

Cat C

Lactation

Caution

Schedule

Forms

Cream 0.05% +3

Indications

Short-term treatment of severe, recalcitrant, steroid-responsive dermatoses
Psoriasis (short-term — localised plaques)
Lichen planus (cutaneous and oral)
Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (genital — first-line; long-term, pulsed use)
Discoid lupus erythematosus (localised)
Severe eczema (not responding to moderate steroids)
Alopecia areata (scalp application)

Adult Dosing

Severe dermatosis (body)

Apply thin layer to affected area OD or BD for maximum 2 weeks

Maximum 50g/week. Do not use on face or flexures (groin, axillae). Avoid occlusion unless directed. Use for shortest duration possible.

Scalp psoriasis (lotion/shampoo)

Apply to scalp OD for up to 4 weeks

Scalp lotion 0.05%: apply sparingly to scalp only

Lichen sclerosus (genital)

Apply OD for 1 month → OD alternate days for 1 month → BD/week for 1 month (reducing regimen)

Long-term pulsed maintenance acceptable (twice weekly) to prevent progression and disease flare

Maximum daily dose: Max 50g/week (adults)

Pediatric Dosing

Age Range: ≥1 year (some authorities say ≥12 years for clobetasol)

Dose: Apply thin layer OD for max 5–7 days only in children. Avoid occlusion.

Children are particularly susceptible to systemic absorption and adrenal suppression. Prefer weaker steroids in children. Reserve clobetasol for very severe disease that does not respond.

Renal Dose Adjustment

CrCl / eGFR	Dose Adjustment
Any CrCl	No adjustment for topical use

Calculate eGFR / CrCl →

Hepatic Adjustment

Hepatic disease may increase systemic exposure — monitor for systemic effects

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Category C

Topical corticosteroids (especially ultra-potent) should be used minimally in pregnancy. Large areas, occlusion, or prolonged use can cause fetal growth restriction. Apply to small areas only for short periods. Potent topical steroids: avoid in 1st trimester and near term.

Lactation: Caution

Not recommended on breast area if breastfeeding. Small areas of body use generally acceptable; avoid nipple/breast area; wash off before feeding.

Top Drug Interactions

Interacting Drug	Effect	Severity
No significant systemic drug interactions at topical doses	Systemic interactions possible only if significant absorption occurs (large area, occlusion, broken skin)	Minor

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Side Effects

Common

Skin atrophy (thinning — with prolonged use)
Striae (stretch marks — irreversible)
Telangiectasia (spider veins)
Perioral dermatitis (if used on face)
Acneiform eruption
Skin depigmentation
Easy bruising (with prolonged use)

Serious / Discontinue If

HPA axis suppression (systemic — with extensive use, occlusion, children; can cause Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency)
Glaucoma / cataracts (avoid periorbital area; systemic absorption from face use)
Tinea incognito (fungal infection masked by steroid — can flare dramatically on stopping)
Steroid rosacea (if used on face)

Contraindications

Acne vulgaris (steroids worsen acne)
Rosacea and perioral dermatitis
Facial application (unless specifically directed — very short course, specialist)
Untreated skin infections (fungal, bacterial, viral — treat infection first)
Nappy/diaper dermatitis in infants

Available Indian Brands

Brand	Manufacturer	Price (approx)
Dermovate cream 0.05%	GSK	20g ₹145
Tenovate cream 0.05%	GSK	20g ₹128
Clobeta cream 0.05%	Cipla	15g ₹95
Clovate ointment 0.05%	Sun Pharma	15g ₹88

Monitoring Required

Skin response (improvement, atrophy signs)
Duration of use (2-week maximum for standard use)
Adrenal function (if large areas, occlusion, or prolonged use — especially children)
Intraocular pressure (if periorbital use)
Secondary infection signs

Patient Counseling Points

Apply a very thin layer — a fingertip unit (FTU) covers an area the size of two adult hands
Use for the shortest time needed — maximum 2 weeks for body skin; discuss long-term lichen sclerosus regimen with dermatologist
⚠️ Do NOT apply to the face, groin crease, or underarm area — skin is thinner there and absorption much higher
Do not wrap or cover the treated area (occlusion increases absorption dramatically)
If skin gets thinner, develops stretch marks, or develops small blood vessels — tell your dermatologist immediately
Do not use on any skin infection (fungal/bacterial) — steroid will worsen the infection dramatically

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Clinically reviewed by: Dr. Padmavathi Rao, MD (Dermatology), Senior Consultant Dermatologist

Last reviewed: 2026-04-01

References

BAD Topical Corticosteroid Guidelines
BNF — Clobetasol Propionate
Cochrane — Topical Steroids for Lichen Sclerosus
Indian Dermatology Online Journal — Topical Steroid Misuse

Disclaimer: This information is for clinical reference only. It is not exhaustive and does not substitute clinical judgement. Always verify current dosing against the manufacturer's prescribing information and current treatment guidelines. Drug prices are approximate and may vary.