Psoriasis treatments: Steroids - Very potent

Dermovate® is a very potent topical corticosteroid containing the active ingredient clobetasol propionate. It is used for the short-term treatment of severe or resistant inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis that has not responded adequately to less potent corticosteroids. Dermovate cream and ointment are not indicated for widespread plaque psoriasis.

Dermovate belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. These should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes misused by athletes. Topical corticosteroids work on the skin to reduce inflammation, redness and itching.

How does it work?

Clobetasol propionate reduces the inflammation associated with inflammatory skin conditions. This helps relieve symptoms such as redness, swelling and itching.

Dermovate is available in different formulations. The ointment has a greasy, moisturising base and is particularly suitable for dry, scaly or thickened skin. The cream is generally more suitable for moist or weeping areas. Dermovate is also available as a scalp application for steroid-responsive scalp conditions such as psoriasis.

Because clobetasol is a very potent corticosteroid, it is normally used for short periods. If treatment needs to continue for longer than 4 weeks, a less potent corticosteroid should generally be considered. Repeated short courses may sometimes be prescribed to control flare-ups.

Who can get it?

Dermovate cream and ointment are available on prescription for adults, older people and children over 1 year of age.

Dermovate Scalp Application is also licensed for adults, older people and children over 1 year of age. Children are more susceptible to corticosteroid side effects and generally require shorter courses and less potent corticosteroids where possible.

How is it used?

Cream and ointment

Apply a thin layer once or twice daily to the affected areas and gently rub in, using only enough to cover the affected skin.

Once the condition has improved, your doctor may reduce the frequency of application or change you to a less potent corticosteroid.

Treatment should not normally continue for more than 4 weeks. If your condition does not improve within 2–4 weeks, the diagnosis and treatment should be reviewed.

In particularly thickened or resistant areas, your doctor may occasionally recommend covering the treated area with an occlusive dressing for a short period. This increases absorption and therefore also increases the risk of side effects, so it should only be done when specifically advised.

Scalp application

Dermovate Scalp Application is for use on the scalp only.

Apply a small amount to the affected areas morning and evening until improvement is noticeable. Once the condition has improved, it may be possible to maintain control by applying it once a day or less frequently, as advised by your doctor.

To apply:

1. Unscrew the cap and place the nozzle on the affected area of the scalp.
2. Gently squeeze the bottle until the affected area is covered with a thin layer.
3. Massage gently into the scalp if required.
4. Allow the liquid to dry naturally.
5. Wash your hands after use.

Do not use more than is needed to cover the affected areas.

The scalp application is flammable, so keep it away from flames and other sources of ignition, including smoking. Avoid using a hairdryer immediately after application.

What are the side effects?

Most people do not experience serious problems when Dermovate is used correctly and for the recommended length of time.

Using a very potent corticosteroid for too long, applying too much, treating large areas or using occlusive dressings can increase the amount absorbed through the skin and the risk of side effects.

Possible side effects include:

• thinning of the skin
• stretch marks (striae)
• increased visibility of small blood vessels
• changes in skin colour
• increased hair growth
• inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
• irritation or burning
• allergic reactions
• worsening of the underlying skin condition.

In some circumstances, enough clobetasol can be absorbed through the skin to cause effects elsewhere in the body, including suppression of the body's natural steroid production and features of excessive corticosteroid exposure. This risk is greater in children, when large areas are treated and when the skin is covered with an occlusive dressing.

In rare cases, treatment of psoriasis with a corticosteroid, or stopping corticosteroid treatment, may trigger pustular psoriasis.

If your condition becomes worse during treatment, or you develop significant irritation, an allergic reaction or signs of infection, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Marketed by

Dermovate cream, ointment and Scalp Application is manufactured in the UK by GlaxoSmithKline UK.

Reviewed: August 2026
Version ID: 2/DER/PST/08/26

Etrivex is a very potent topical corticosteroid containing the active ingredient clobetasol propionate. It is used as a short-term treatment for moderate scalp psoriasis in adults.

It belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. These should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes misused by athletes. Topical corticosteroids work on the skin to reduce inflammation, redness and itching.

How does it work?

Psoriasis causes skin cells to be produced more quickly than normal, leading to areas of thickened, scaly and inflamed skin.

Clobetasol propionate reduces the inflammation associated with psoriasis. This helps to reduce redness, swelling, itching and scaling of the scalp.

Clobetasol propionate is a very potent corticosteroid, so Etrivex is intended for short-term use and should only be used as directed by your doctor.

Who can get it?

Etrivex is available on prescription for adults with moderate scalp psoriasis.

It is not recommended for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.

How is it used?

Etrivex Shampoo is applied once daily to the dry scalp.

The usual amount is approximately 7.5 ml (about half a tablespoon), or enough to cover the entire scalp.

1. Apply the shampoo to the affected areas of the dry scalp.
2. Gently massage it into the affected areas, making sure the scalp is adequately covered.
3. Wash your hands after applying the shampoo.
4. Leave the shampoo on the scalp for 15 minutes. Do not cover the scalp during this time.
5. Add water, work the shampoo into a lather and rinse the hair thoroughly.
6. Dry your hair as usual. If necessary, your normal shampoo can be used afterwards.

Do not use more Etrivex than necessary to cover the scalp.

Treatment should normally continue for no longer than 4 weeks. Your doctor will decide how long you need to use it and should review your progress if treatment is continued.

If your scalp psoriasis has not improved after the recommended course of treatment, speak to your doctor. Do not continue using Etrivex for longer than advised.

Etrivex should not be used on the face or on other areas of the body.

What are the side effects?

Most people do not experience serious problems when Etrivex is used correctly and for the recommended length of time.

Possible side effects include:

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• skin discomfort
• acne
• burning or stinging of the eyes if the shampoo comes into contact with them.

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• skin irritation
• itching
• hives (urticaria)
• visible small blood vessels
• thinning of the skin around the treated areas.

Using too much Etrivex, applying it for too long or using it more frequently than recommended can increase the amount of clobetasol absorbed through the skin. This can increase the risk of side effects such as skin thinning and, particularly with prolonged or extensive use, effects elsewhere in the body caused by corticosteroid absorption.

Prolonged or repeated use of topical corticosteroids can also cause stretch marks, changes in skin colour, increased hair growth, inflammation of the hair follicles and other skin changes.

Treatment with topical corticosteroids can occasionally make psoriasis worse or cause pustular psoriasis.

If you develop significant irritation, swelling of the face or lips, worsening of your psoriasis or other unusual symptoms, stop using Etrivex and contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid getting Etrivex in the eyes. If it does get into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water.

Marketed by

Etrivex is marketed in the UK by Galderma UK Ltd.

Reviewed: August 2026
Version ID: 2/ETR/PST/08/26

Clarelux is a very potent topical corticosteroid containing the active ingredient clobetasol propionate. It is used as a short-course treatment for steroid-responsive scalp conditions, including scalp psoriasis, when less potent corticosteroids have not worked well enough.

Clarelux belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. These should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes misused by athletes. Topical corticosteroids work on the skin to reduce inflammation, redness and itching.

How does it work?

Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation by suppressing the release and activity of substances involved in the body's inflammatory response. This helps reduce the redness, swelling, itching and other symptoms associated with inflammatory skin conditions.

Clobetasol propionate is a very potent corticosteroid and therefore has a greater risk of side effects than milder corticosteroids. It is intended for short-term use.

Who can get it?

Clarelux is available on prescription for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.

It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

How is it used?

Clarelux is a pressurised cutaneous foam for use on the scalp only.

Apply a small amount to the affected areas twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Treatment should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks and no more than 50 g per week should be used. If treatment with a topical corticosteroid is needed beyond 2 weeks, a less potent corticosteroid should normally be considered. Short repeated courses may be used to control flare-ups when the patient is under regular medical supervision.

To apply:

1. Shake the canister well.
2. Hold the canister upside down and dispense a small amount of foam, approximately the size of a walnut or one teaspoon.
3. You can dispense the foam onto a cool surface such as the cap or a saucer rather than directly onto your hand, as it melts when it comes into contact with warm skin.
4. Move the hair aside and gently massage the foam into the affected areas of the scalp until it disappears.
5. Repeat as necessary until all affected areas have been treated.
6. Wash your hands after application.

Avoid contact with the eyes, nose and mouth. Do not use Clarelux on the face.

Do not use it near a naked flame, and do not smoke while using or handling the canister because the contents are flammable. The pressurised canister should also be protected from temperatures above 50°C and direct sunlight.

Do not cover the treated areas with a dressing or other covering unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

What are the side effects?

Most people tolerate Clarelux when it is used correctly and for the recommended length of time. Possible side effects include:

• burning or stinging
• itching
• redness or irritation
• thinning of the skin
• stretch marks (striae)
• increased visibility of small blood vessels
• changes in skin colour
• increased hair growth
• inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
• allergic contact dermatitis
• worsening of the underlying skin condition.

Prolonged or excessive use of very potent corticosteroids can allow the medicine to be absorbed through the skin and, particularly when large areas are treated, cause effects elsewhere in the body. These can include suppression of the body's natural steroid production and features of excessive corticosteroid exposure. The risk is greater in children and when treatment is used under occlusion.

Treatment with topical corticosteroids can occasionally cause pustular psoriasis or make an existing infection worse. Clarelux should not be used to treat a primary infected skin condition caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.

If your scalp condition becomes worse, or you develop significant irritation or signs of infection, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: Clarelux should not be used on the face, and is contraindicated in conditions including rosacea, acne vulgaris, perioral dermatitis and perianal or genital itching. It should also not be used on ulcerated lesions or burns.

Marketed by

Clarelux is marketed in the UK by Pierre Fabre Ltd.

Reviewed: August 2026
Version ID: 2/CLA/PST/08/26