Psoriasis treatments: Steroids - Moderate

Eumovate contains the active ingredient clobetasone butyrate, a moderately potent topical corticosteroid. It is used to reduce inflammation, redness and itching associated with a number of steroid-responsive skin conditions.

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

Eumovate is available as a cream and an ointment. The cream is generally suitable for moist or weeping areas, while the ointment is particularly suitable for dry, thickened or scaly areas.

How does it work?

Clobetasone butyrate reduces inflammation in the skin and helps relieve symptoms such as redness, swelling and itching.

Topical corticosteroids control the inflammation and symptoms of skin conditions while they are being used, but they do not cure the underlying condition. Eumovate may also be used as maintenance treatment between courses of a more potent topical corticosteroid.

Who can get it?

Eumovate is available on prescription for adults, older people, children and infants when prescribed appropriately.

The product information lists its uses for inflammatory and itchy steroid-responsive skin conditions, including eczema, dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, nappy rash, photodermatitis, otitis externa, prurigo nodularis and insect-bite reactions.

How is it used?

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

Once the skin has improved, your doctor may advise reducing how often you apply it or changing to a less potent treatment.

If you are also using an emollient, allow enough time for Eumovate to be absorbed before applying the emollient.

The amount and duration of treatment will depend on the condition being treated. Do not use more than recommended, as using excessive amounts or prolonged treatment can increase the risk of side effects.

What are the side effects?

Most people can use Eumovate without problems when it is used correctly.

Some people may experience:

• burning, stinging or itching
• skin irritation
• changes in skin colour
• increased hair growth
• thinning of the skin
• stretch marks
• visible small blood vessels

Using topical corticosteroids for too long, over large areas or under dressings that prevent the skin from breathing can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through the skin. In rare cases this can affect the body's natural production of corticosteroid hormones. Children are more susceptible to these effects.

If your skin condition becomes worse during treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. This could sometimes be due to an infection or a reaction to the treatment.

Rarely, prolonged or inappropriate use of a topical corticosteroid on psoriasis can cause the psoriasis to worsen or trigger a different form of psoriasis, such as pustular psoriasis.

Do not apply Eumovate to the eyes. Repeated exposure around the eyes can increase the risk of problems such as glaucoma or cataracts.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Eumovate.

Topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only when necessary and for the shortest appropriate duration. Avoid applying Eumovate to the breasts before breastfeeding to prevent the baby accidentally swallowing the medicine.

Manufactured by

Eumovate is manufactured in the UK by Glaxo Wellcome UK Ltd /GlaxoSmithKline.

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

Fluocortolone is a moderate potent corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation, redness and itching associated with inflammatory skin conditions. It may be prescribed for conditions such as eczema and dermatitis and may also be used for psoriasis where a topical corticosteroid is appropriate.

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 act on the skin to reduce inflammation, redness and itching.

How does it work?

Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation and itching by suppressing the inflammatory response in the skin. They control the symptoms and signs of inflammatory skin conditions while they are being used, but they do not cure the underlying condition.

Who can get it?

Fluocortolone is available on prescription as Ultralanum Plain 0.25% cream and ointment. It may be prescribed for adults and children, but the appropriate strength, amount and duration of treatment should take account of the person's age and the area being treated.

Moderately potent corticosteroids can be used for short periods on areas such as the face, flexures and genitals when clinically appropriate. NICE recommends corticosteroids of mild or moderate potency for psoriasis in these areas, generally for no more than 2 weeks.

How is it used?

Fluocortolone should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected areas, usually once or twice daily, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Gently rub the cream or ointment into the skin until it has been absorbed.

The formulation chosen may depend on the condition and the area of skin being treated. Ointments are generally more suitable for dry, scaly or thickened skin, while creams may be preferred for less dry or more moist areas.

Do not use more than recommended or continue treatment for longer than advised. Using topical corticosteroids excessively or for prolonged periods can increase the risk of side effects.

For psoriasis, the potency and duration of corticosteroid treatment should be appropriate for the site being treated. Potent or very potent corticosteroids should not be used continuously without appropriate breaks and monitoring.

What are the side effects?

Most people experience no significant problems when a topical corticosteroid is used correctly. However, side effects are more likely if it is used for prolonged periods, in large amounts, over large areas of skin or under occlusive dressings.

Possible side effects include:

• thinning of the skin
• stretch marks (striae)
• changes in skin pigmentation
• increased visibility of small blood vessels
• burning, irritation or itching
• inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
• increased hair growth (hypertrichosis)
• allergic contact dermatitis
• worsening or masking of a skin infection.

Prolonged or extensive use can occasionally allow enough corticosteroid to be absorbed through the skin to cause effects elsewhere in the body, including suppression of the body's natural steroid production. This risk is greater in children and when large areas of skin or occluded areas are treated.

When treating psoriasis, prolonged or inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids can also cause psoriasis to become unstable.

Fluocortolone is known commercially as Ultralanum Plain and is available as a cream or an ointment. It is marketed in the UK by Meadow Laboratories Limited.

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

Fludroxycortide (Haelan) is a moderately potent topical corticosteroid. It is used to reduce inflammation, redness and itching associated with certain inflammatory skin conditions.

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

How does it work?

Fludroxycortide reduces inflammation in the skin. This helps relieve symptoms such as redness, swelling and itching.

Topical corticosteroids work by reducing the activity of substances involved in the body's inflammatory response. They control the symptoms and signs of inflammatory skin conditions while they are being used, but they do not cure the underlying condition.

Who can get it?

Haelan is available on prescription for adults and children.

Haelan Cream is used for a range of inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis. The current UK product information does not specifically list psoriasis as an indication.

Haelan Tape is used for chronic, localised and resistant inflammatory skin conditions that respond to topical corticosteroids, particularly dry, scaling lesions.

Your doctor will decide whether Haelan is suitable for your particular skin condition.

How is it used?

Haelan Cream or Ointment

Apply a thin layer to the affected areas two or three times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Gently rub it into the skin.

Haelan Tape

The skin should be clean, dry and free of hair before the tape is applied. The tape is cut to cover the affected area and is normally left in place for 12 hours out of every 24 hours.

The tape should be used only as directed by your doctor because it provides an occlusive effect, which can increase the absorption of the corticosteroid.

Wash your hands after applying Haelan Cream or Ointment, unless the hands themselves are being treated.

What are the side effects?

Most people can use Haelan without problems when it is used correctly.

Possible side effects of topical corticosteroids include:

• burning, stinging or irritation
• thinning of the skin
• stretch marks
• changes in skin colour
• increased hair growth
• inflammation of the hair follicles
• visible small blood vessels
• allergic skin reactions

Using a topical corticosteroid for too long, over large areas or under an occlusive dressing or tape can increase the amount absorbed through the skin. This can increase the risk of side effects.

Children may be more susceptible to these effects than adults.

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

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using Haelan.

Topical corticosteroids should generally be used during pregnancy only when necessary and for the shortest appropriate duration. Avoid applying the treatment to the breasts immediately before breastfeeding.

Marketed by

Fludroxycortide is known commercially as Haelan and is available as a cream, an ointment or impregnated onto tape. It is marketed in the UK by Typharm Ltd.

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

Alphaderm is a mild topical corticosteroid and moisturising treatment containing the active ingredients hydrocortisone 1% and urea 10%.

It is used for inflammatory skin conditions where the skin is dry, thickened or scaly. The hydrocortisone helps reduce inflammation, redness and itching, while urea helps soften and moisturise dry, rough skin.

Alphaderm belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. These should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes misused by athletes.

How does it work?

Hydrocortisone is a mild topical corticosteroid. It reduces inflammation in the skin and helps relieve symptoms such as redness and itching.

Urea is a moisturising ingredient that helps the skin hold on to water. It also has a mild keratolytic action, which means it helps soften and loosen thickened or scaly skin.

The combination can therefore be particularly useful where inflammation is accompanied by dry, thickened or scaly skin.

Topical corticosteroids control inflammation and symptoms while they are being used, but they do not cure the underlying skin condition.

Who can get it?

Alphaderm is available on prescription for adults and children.

Do not use Alphaderm if you have previously had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone, urea or any of the other ingredients.

It should not be used on untreated bacterial, viral or fungal skin infections, unless specifically advised by your doctor.

How is it used?

Wash and dry the affected areas before applying the cream.

Apply a thin layer to the affected skin twice a day, or as directed by your doctor. Gently rub the cream into the skin.

Avoid getting the cream in the eyes.

Because Alphaderm contains urea, it can sometimes cause stinging or irritation when applied to cracked or broken skin.

Your doctor may occasionally advise covering the treated area with a dressing, but occlusive dressings should not be used unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional. Occlusion can increase the amount of corticosteroid absorbed through the skin and therefore increase the risk of side effects.

What are the side effects?

Alphaderm is generally well tolerated when used as directed.

Some people may experience:

• stinging or irritation, particularly when applied to cracked or inflamed skin
• worsening or spreading of an existing skin infection
• skin thinning with prolonged or excessive use
• stretch marks
• changes in skin colour
• increased hair growth
• acne-like changes
• inflammation around hair follicles

Using a topical corticosteroid for too long, over large areas or under an occlusive dressing can increase the amount absorbed through the skin and increase the risk of side effects.

Children, particularly young children, can be more susceptible to these effects.

If your skin condition becomes worse during treatment, or you develop significant irritation or another unusual reaction, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using Alphaderm.

Topical corticosteroids should generally be used during pregnancy only when necessary and for the shortest appropriate duration.

Marketed by

Alphaderm Cream is marketed in the UK by Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

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

Alclometasone is a moderately potent topical corticosteroid used to reduce redness, swelling and itching caused by certain inflammatory skin conditions. It contains the active ingredient alclometasone dipropionate.

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

Alclometasone is classed as a moderately potent corticosteroid.

How does it work?

Alclometasone reduces inflammation in the skin, helping to relieve redness, swelling and itching.

Topical corticosteroids control the inflammation and symptoms of skin conditions while they are being used, but they do not cure the underlying condition. If treatment is stopped after prolonged or inappropriate use, the original condition can sometimes flare up again.

Alclometasone may be prescribed when an emollient alone is not enough to control inflammation.

Who can get it?

Alclometasone is available on prescription for adults and children. The product information states that it is used for inflammatory and itchy skin conditions that respond to topical corticosteroids.

It is important not to use alclometasone on skin infections, acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis or certain viral skin conditions unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.

If you or your child has previously had an allergic reaction to alclometasone or any of the ingredients, do not use it.

How is it used?

Apply a thin layer of alclometasone cream to the affected area two or three times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Gently massage it into the skin until it disappears.

Do not use more than recommended. Using topical corticosteroids for too long, over large areas or under dressings that prevent the skin from breathing can increase the amount absorbed through the skin and increase the risk of side effects.

Long-term continuous treatment should be avoided where possible, particularly in babies and children.

What are the side effects?

Alclometasone is generally well tolerated when used as directed.

Some people may experience:

• itching
• burning or stinging
• redness
• dryness or irritation
• a rash

With prolonged or excessive use, particularly on large areas or under dressings, topical corticosteroids can cause thinning of the skin, stretch marks, changes in skin colour, increased hair growth, acne-like changes or visible small blood vessels.

Children, particularly young children, can be more susceptible to side effects because they may absorb proportionally more of the medicine through their skin. Very rarely, excessive or prolonged use can affect the body's natural production of corticosteroid hormones.

If your skin becomes more irritated or you develop an allergic reaction, stop using the treatment and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using alclometasone. Topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only when the expected benefit outweighs any potential risk, and extensive or prolonged use should be avoided.

Marketed by

Alclometasone is known commercially as Modrasone and is available as a cream or an ointment. It is marketed in the UK by Aspire Pharma Ltd.

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

Trimovate® is a combination cream containing the moderately potent topical corticosteroid clobetasone butyrate, the antifungal nystatin and the antibiotic oxytetracycline. It is used for steroid-responsive inflammatory skin conditions where a bacterial or candidal infection is present, suspected or likely to occur.

It belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. These should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes misused by athletes. Clobetasone butyrate reduces inflammation, redness and itching, while nystatin treats fungal infections caused by susceptible yeasts and oxytetracycline treats susceptible bacterial infections.

How does it work?

Clobetasone butyrate is a moderately potent topical corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, redness and itching in the skin.

Nystatin is an antifungal medicine that acts against susceptible yeasts and fungi, including Candida species.

Oxytetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against susceptible bacteria by interfering with bacterial protein production.

The combination is intended for inflammatory skin conditions where infection is present, suspected or likely to occur.

Who can get it?

Trimovate is available on prescription and can be used in adults, older people, children and infants when prescribed appropriately.

It is used for steroid-responsive dermatoses where candidal or bacterial infection is present, suspected or likely to occur. Licensed indications include atopic dermatitis, nappy rash, intertrigo, anogenital pruritus and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

How is it used?

Trimovate cream should be applied thinly and gently rubbed into the affected area once or twice daily, using only enough to cover the affected skin.

Treatment should normally be limited to up to 7 days. If the condition does not improve within 7 days, or becomes worse, the diagnosis and treatment should be reviewed by a healthcare professional. Treatment should not be continued for more than 7 days without medical supervision.

Creams are particularly suitable for moist or weeping areas.

Wash your hands after applying Trimovate, unless the hands themselves are being treated.

If an emollient is also being used, allow adequate time for Trimovate to be absorbed before applying the emollient.

What are the side effects?

Most people tolerate Trimovate when it is used correctly and for the recommended duration.

Possible side effects include:

• skin irritation or hypersensitivity
• opportunistic or secondary infection
• changes in skin colour
• increased hair growth
• thinning of the skin with prolonged or inappropriate use of corticosteroids
• widening of small blood vessels
• blurred vision or other visual disturbances, although these are uncommon/not known

Because clobetasone is a corticosteroid, applying excessive amounts, treating large areas or using it for prolonged periods can increase absorption and, rarely, cause effects throughout the body, including suppression of the body's normal adrenal function.

Prolonged or repeated use of topical antibiotics and antifungals can also increase the risk of sensitisation and resistance, so Trimovate should only be used for the recommended short course.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using Trimovate. It should only be used during pregnancy when the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk, and the minimum amount should be used for the shortest possible duration.

If used during breastfeeding, it should not be applied to the breasts to prevent accidental ingestion by the baby.

Manufactured by

Trimovate is manufactured in the UK by Ennogen IP Ltd.

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