The tendency toward developing psoriasis is
inherited in genes.
Psoriasis is not contagious.
Psoriasis gets better and
worse spontaneously and can have periodic remissions (clear skin).
Psoriasis is controllable with medication.
Psoriasis is currently not curable.
There are many promising therapies, including newer biologic drugs.
Future research for psoriasis is promising.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin condition that produces red, dry plaques of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid proliferation of skin cells that is triggered by abnormal lymphocytes from the blood . Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Clobetasol is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Clobetasol topical is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.
Clobetasol topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of clobetasol topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation of any treated skin, or if you show signs of absorbing clobetasol topical through your skin, such as:
blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
mood changes;
sleep problems (insomnia);
weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
muscle weakness, feeling tired.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild skin rash, itching, burning, or redness;
dry or cracking skin;
thinning or softening of your skin;
skin rash or irritation around your mouth;
swollen hair follicles;
spider veins;
changes in color of treated skin;
blisters, pimples, or crusting of treated skin; or
stretch marks.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about clobetasol topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with clobetasol topical can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over a long treatment period.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve within 2 weeks of using this medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.