Temovate (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) is a super-high potency topical corticosteroid used for short courses to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching in inflammatory dermatoses. Clinicians commonly prescribe it for stubborn eczema flares (atopic dermatitis), plaque psoriasis, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, discoid lupus limited to skin, and certain severe allergic or irritant contact dermatitis reactions. By activating glucocorticoid receptors in skin cells, clobetasol downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and vasodilators, rapidly decreasing swelling and pruritus.
Temovate is for external use on intact skin only. It is available as several formulations to match different sites and symptoms:
Because Temovate is among the strongest topical steroids, its use is typically limited to small body areas and brief durations to minimize risks such as skin atrophy or systemic absorption. It is not first-line for delicate skin sites (face, groin, or axillae) unless a clinician specifically instructs short, cautious use. When inflammation is controlled, therapy is stepped down to a lower-potency corticosteroid or a nonsteroidal option to maintain remission.
Use Temovate exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The general approach is to use the lowest effective amount, for the shortest time needed, on the smallest area necessary.
Typical adult directions:
Fingertip unit (FTU) guidance is helpful to estimate amounts. One FTU equals a strip of medication from the distal crease to the tip of an adult index finger (about 0.5 g for many tubes):
Application tips for best results:
Stepping down and discontinuation: When the flare improves, your clinician may recommend tapering frequency (e.g., from twice daily to once daily to every other day) and transitioning to a medium- or low-potency steroid or to nonsteroidal options (such as calcineurin inhibitors for sensitive areas) to prevent rebound.
Special populations and sites:
Topical clobetasol is highly effective, but its strength necessitates careful, time-limited use. Important precautions include:
Tell your clinician before using Temovate if you have:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Limited data exist for potent topical steroids in pregnancy. Use the smallest amount for the shortest duration on limited areas after discussion with your clinician. Avoid application on the breast area before breastfeeding and prevent infant skin contact with treated areas.
Do not use Temovate if you have:
Relative contraindications and cautionary scenarios include delicate skin areas, extensive body-surface involvement, compromised skin barrier conditions, and pediatric use. In these settings, clinicians often choose lower-potency options or nonsteroidal therapies first.
Most patients tolerate short courses of Temovate well, with symptoms improving within days. Potential adverse effects increase with potency, frequency, duration, occlusion, and application to thin skin or large areas.
Local effects:
Systemic effects (rare with proper topical use, risk rises with high dose/occlusion):
Seek medical attention if you experience signs of significant adverse effects, including widespread rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, severe skin thinning with easy tearing, vision changes, or symptoms of systemic steroid exposure.
Clinically significant drug interactions are uncommon with topical clobetasol when used appropriately. However, several considerations support safe use:
Do not apply additional products to treated areas unless your healthcare provider approves. This minimizes inadvertent irritation, occlusion, or incompatible combinations.
If you miss a dose, apply Temovate as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next application, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose. Consistent, measured use better balances effectiveness with safety than sporadic overuse.
Excessive or prolonged use of clobetasol can lead to local skin damage and systemic corticosteroid effects. Signs of overdose may include severe skin thinning, easy bruising, stretch marks, poor wound healing, facial rounding, unexpected weight gain, fatigue, mood changes, or elevated blood sugar.
What to do:
Store Temovate at controlled room temperature, typically 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep the container tightly closed and protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date; ask your pharmacist about safe disposal if you have unused or expired product.
Practical storage tips:
In the United States, Temovate (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) is a prescription-only medication. Federal and state laws require that a licensed healthcare professional evaluate the patient and authorize therapy before a pharmacy can dispense this super-high potency topical corticosteroid. This safeguards patients from misuse, adverse effects, counterfeit products, and delayed diagnosis of conditions that may mimic dermatitis or psoriasis.
Key points to understand:
About prescription-free claims: Any service that advertises access to Temovate “without a formal prescription” should be approached with caution. In the U.S., dispensing clobetasol legally requires prescriber authorization. Some clinics streamline care through teledermatology or protocol-driven models, but a licensed clinician’s oversight and a valid prescription remain part of lawful access. Verify licensure and compliance before proceeding with any service.
For patients seeking structured, lawful access to care, regional medical groups may offer telemedicine triage, evaluation, and, when indicated, prescription issuance. These programs are designed to reduce barriers to timely dermatologic treatment while maintaining legal and safety standards. Always confirm that any pathway to treatment adheres to federal and state regulations and involves a licensed prescriber.
Note on third-party services: If an organization or institute claims to facilitate obtaining Temovate without a traditional in-person visit, ensure that the process still includes a legitimate clinical assessment and a prescription issued by a licensed clinician. Avoid any program that bypasses prescriber involvement altogether.
Consumer safeguards:
The Neurological Institute of Northeastern New York and similar regional medical organizations may offer structured telehealth evaluations that can lead to appropriate prescriptions when medically indicated. Any program that purports to provide Temovate without a prescriber’s authorization should be verified carefully for legal compliance; in the U.S., clobetasol dispensing still requires clinician oversight and a valid prescription.
Temovate is the brand name for clobetasol propionate 0.05%, a super-high potency topical corticosteroid. It calms overactive immune responses in the skin to reduce redness, swelling, and itching in steroid‑responsive conditions.
It treats corticosteroid‑responsive dermatoses such as plaque psoriasis, severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) flares, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, and chronic hand dermatitis. It is not appropriate for acne, rosacea, or untreated skin infections.
Wash and dry your hands and the affected skin. Apply a thin film to the affected area only, then gently rub in until absorbed. Wash hands afterward unless treating the hands. Avoid covering with airtight dressings unless your clinician directs it.
Most adults use it twice daily for a short course, usually not longer than 1–2 weeks. Do not exceed 50 grams per week across all clobetasol products. Some specific formulations (like clobetasol shampoo) may be used up to 4 weeks as labeled; follow your prescriber’s instructions.
Use the fingertip‑unit (FTU) method: about one FTU (from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease) covers roughly two adult palm‑sized areas. Use the smallest amount that controls symptoms.
These thin‑skinned areas absorb more steroid and are at higher risk for side effects. Avoid using there unless a clinician specifically recommends it, and then only for very short durations.
Yes. Clobetasol comes as solutions, foams, and shampoos designed for scalp psoriasis or dermatitis. Follow the specific product directions; for shampoo, apply to dry scalp, leave on about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Occlusion greatly increases absorption and the risk of side effects. Only use occlusive dressings if your clinician instructs you to, and for limited periods.
Mild burning, stinging, dryness, or irritation can occur. With overuse or prolonged use, skin thinning, stretch marks, easy bruising, visible blood vessels, acneiform eruptions, and changes in skin color may appear.
Using large amounts, using under occlusion, or treating large areas can rarely suppress the adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to fatigue, weight gain, or other systemic steroid effects. If you experience unusual tiredness, headaches, swelling, or vision changes, contact your clinician.
Apply it when you remember the same day. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double up or use extra to “catch up.”
High‑potency steroids like clobetasol are generally avoided in children, especially under 12 years old, due to higher absorption and risk of side effects. If prescribed for a child, use the smallest effective amount for the shortest possible time under close medical supervision.
No. Do not apply to broken skin, ulcers, or open wounds. Increased absorption can raise the risk of side effects and may delay healing.
Do not use on untreated bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections (like impetigo, ringworm, or cold sores). If an infection develops during treatment, stop the steroid and seek advice; you may need an antimicrobial.
Once controlled, taper by decreasing frequency, switching to a lower‑potency steroid, or using nonsteroidal options (like moisturizers or calcineurin inhibitors) to maintain remission. Many patients use weekend or pulse therapy for stubborn psoriasis under guidance.
Ointments are more occlusive and potent for thick, dry plaques. Creams are less greasy and better for moist or intertriginous areas (if approved). Solutions/foams spread easily through hair for the scalp. Shampoo targets diffuse scalp disease with short‑contact therapy.
There’s no direct interaction between topical clobetasol and alcohol. However, alcohol can worsen some skin diseases (like psoriasis) in some people, so moderation is sensible.
Topical clobetasol should be used only if the potential benefit outweighs risk. If needed, use the smallest amount on limited areas for the shortest time; many clinicians prefer lower‑potency steroids first during pregnancy.
Generally compatible with precautions. Avoid applying to the nipple/areola, keep treated skin away from the infant’s mouth or skin, and wash hands after application. Use the minimum amount for the shortest time.
For typical short‑term, limited‑area use, no changes are needed. If you’ve been using large amounts, covering large areas, or using under occlusion, tell your surgical team because rare adrenal suppression could affect perioperative management.
When used appropriately on limited areas, systemic immunosuppression is unlikely and vaccines remain effective. Very high‑potency steroids on large areas or under occlusion for prolonged periods may slightly increase infection risk; discuss if you’re concerned.
Clobetasol can thin skin and increase sensitivity. Limit sun/UV exposure on treated areas, use protective clothing and sunscreen, and avoid tanning beds.
Yes, it’s commonly combined to speed clearance. Apply as directed (often after UV sessions), and monitor for irritation or over‑drying; your dermatologist will tailor timing and frequency.
Yes. Apply Temovate first to clean, dry skin, wait 10–15 minutes, then apply moisturizers. Separate other active topicals (like vitamin D analogs or retinoids) by time and body site per your clinician’s advice.
Both are very high‑potency topical corticosteroids. Temovate (clobetasol) is often considered slightly stronger in many vehicles; augmented betamethasone is close in potency. Choice typically depends on site, vehicle preference, prior response, and insurance coverage.
Both are super‑potent and clinically comparable. Some patients find halobetasol a touch more tolerable; others respond better to clobetasol. Selection hinges on formulation availability, cost, and individual response.
Vanos is high to super‑potent depending on vehicle and can be effective for thick plaques with potentially slightly less atrophy risk than clobetasol. Temovate is a go‑to for very stubborn lesions. For sensitive sites, consider stepping down to fluocinonide or lower.
Diflorasone ointment is super‑potent; creams are typically high‑potency. Efficacy is similar for thick, chronic plaques. Choose based on vehicle, skin feel, and prior outcomes.
Desoximetasone 0.25% is usually high‑potency (often a step below clobetasol). It may be preferable when you need strong anti‑inflammatory effect with a slightly lower risk of atrophy versus clobetasol. Still use time‑limited courses.
Foam spreads through hair, dries fast, and is often easier on the scalp and hairline. Cream is better for non‑hairy, thicker plaques. Both deliver clobetasol; pick the vehicle that best fits the site.
Shampoo provides short‑contact therapy for diffuse scalp disease; apply to dry scalp for about 15 minutes then rinse. It’s less greasy and better for broad coverage, while solutions/foams suit focal areas.
Non‑augmented betamethasone 0.05% is typically high‑potency (not super‑potent). It may be chosen when a strong steroid is needed with a slightly wider safety margin compared to clobetasol.
Mometasone is high‑potency with relatively low systemic absorption and is often favored for short courses on somewhat sensitive areas. Temovate is generally reserved for the thickest, most resistant plaques and avoided on thin skin.
Triamcinolone 0.1% is a medium‑ to high‑potency steroid suitable for maintenance after a flare is controlled with clobetasol. Stepping down reduces the risk of skin thinning and other steroid side effects.
Fluocinolone 0.01% is low‑potency and safer for long‑term or sensitive scalp/ear canal use, including in some pediatric cases. Temovate is for short‑term rescue of severe flares.
Hydrocortisone 2.5% is low potency and often insufficient for thick plaques or severe dermatitis. Temovate is much stronger, clears stubborn inflammation faster, but must be limited in duration and area due to higher risk.
Both can clear plaques quickly; clobetasol often achieves slightly faster or more complete clearance in head‑to‑head practice. Individual response varies; if one loses effect or irritates, switching within the same potency class is reasonable.
Rotation can help minimize tachyphylaxis and local side effects, but evidence is mixed. Many clinicians prefer intermittent (weekend) therapy or stepping down in potency once control is achieved.
Yes. Generic clobetasol is widely available and often inexpensive, but some vehicles (foam, shampoo) can be pricier. If coverage is limited, an equivalent‑potency alternative in a covered vehicle is usually acceptable.
Yes. Ointments are generally more potent than creams or lotions, and “augmented” formulations can boost potency. Always compare both the molecule and the vehicle when assessing strength and safety.
