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Clobetasol (Dermovate scalp application)

How does it work?

Dermovate scalp application contains the active ingredient clobetasol propionate, which is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens due to irritation of the skin, and is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, such as is seen in dermatitis or eczema.

When clobetasol is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the skin cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itching.

There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids applied to the skin. Clobetasol propionate is classed as a very potent corticosteroid. It is prescribed to treat severe inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis that have not responded to weaker corticosteroids.

Dermovate scalp application is thinner and easier to apply to the scalp than Dermovate ointment and cream. It is used to treat severe inflammatory disorders of the scalp. The liquid should be applied sparingly to the areas of the scalp that need treating using the nozzle of the bottle. You can rub the liquid into your scalp if you wish, but then leave it to dry. The clobetasol will be left on the scalp - it should not be washed off. If you need to wash your hair you should wash and dry your hair before applying the scalp application.

The scalp application is usually applied twice a day. As soon as the condition starts to improve, you should use it less frequently, as directed by your doctor. If there is no improvement in your scalp after two to four weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor. Repeat courses maybe necessary to control flare-ups of psoriasis or eczema, but should only be started on the advice of your doctor.

What is it used for?

  • Eczema affecting the scalp.
  • Psoriasis affecting the scalp.

Warning!

  • Dermovate scalp application contains flammable alcohol. Do not use it near naked flames or lit objects, such as gas and electric fires and lit cigarettes, or near other sources of heat such as hairdryers.
  • This medicine is for external use on the scalp only. It must not be used on the face or any other part of the body apart from the scalp. Apply the liquid thinly to the affected areas of the scalp.
  • Take care to avoid the scalp application running onto the face or into the eyes. Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs. Avoid applying it to broken skin.
  • Wash your hands after applying the scalp application to avoid accidentally transferring it to other areas.
  • If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw or broken skin, or under airtight dressings they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only cover the affected area if instructed by your doctor. If you find you still need to use this medicine after two to four weeks because your skin has not improved you should consult your doctor. If this medicine is used to treat a child it should not usually be used for longer than five to seven days.
  • If you have been prescribed this medicine to treat psoriasis you should have regular check-ups with your doctor. This is because although corticosteroids may be useful for psoriasis in the short-term, they can sometimes make psoriasis worse, and may cause the condition to relapse into generalised pustular psoriasis after the treatment is stopped.
  • If you think the area of skin you are treating has become infected you should stop using this medicine and consult your doctor.

Use with caution in

  • Children.
  • Psoriasis.

Not to be used in

  • Children under one year of age.
  • Skin infected with viruses (eg chickenpox, shingles), fungi (eg ringworm) or bacteria (eg impetigo).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

  • This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.

Label warnings

  • Caution flammable: keep medication away from fire or flames.
  • This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

  • Skin irritation at site of application, such as burning, stinging, itching and redness.
  • Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis).
  • Thinning of the skin.
  • Prolonged use of this medicine on extensive areas of skin, broken or raw skin, or underneath airtight dressings may on rare occasions result in enough corticosteroid being absorbed to have side effects on other parts of the body, for example a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. See warning section above.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. However, as with all medicines, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

If you are using other medicines or moisturisers on the same area of skin it is recommended that you leave several minutes between applying each product. This is to allow each product time to be absorbed and avoid them mixing on the skin.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Clarelux foam Dermovate cream/ointment Etrivex shampoo

Dermovate-NN cream/ointment contains clobetasol with antimicrobials.