Dermovate
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* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Dermovate Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Dermovate ointment, Eumovate
About Dermovate cream
Dermovate cream contains the active ingredient clobetasol propionate, a steroid. It is used for the treatment of eczema and other skin conditions such as psoriasis. Dermovate is used in short courses to manage flare-ups and exacerbations of:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Atopic eczema
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
It is available with a prescription under the brand name Dermovate. NowPatient offers Dermovate cream or ointment as treatments for psoriasis only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Dermovate cream
- Dermovate contains clobetasol propionate, a topical corticosteroid
- Dermovate can take up to 2 weeks to show any signs of effect
- Dermovate has some common side effects which include skin reactions
- It can be dangerous if you use Dermovate with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Dermovate cream not suitable for?
Dermovate may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using if you have any areas of skin affected by the following conditions:
- Chickenpox, shingles, cold sores or herpes simplex
- Bacterial skin infections
- Fungal skin infections such as ringworm or athlete’s foot
- Acne rosacea
- Acne
- Perioral dermatitis
- Itchy skin with no inflammation
- Nappy Rash
Dermovate should not be used on children under one year of age.
How and where to get Dermovate cream?
You can buy Dermovate cream safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with one of our prescribers for the treatment of psoriasis, you can discuss if Dermovate is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Dermovate cream for psoriasis
Dermovate Cream & Dermovate Ointment are prescription medicines that contain clobetasol propionate 0.05% for the treatment of psoriasis.
Information about how to use Dermovate cream for psoriasis
Dermovate cream or ointment, should be applied thinly to the affected areas of the skin once or twice a day. Dermovate should be used less often as soon as your condition begins to improve. Also, allow sufficient time for absorption of Dermovate into the skin after applying before applying an emollient or moisturiser.
Do not get Dermovate cream, or ointment in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Rinse with cold water immediately if this happens. Wash your hands thoroughly before you start and after you have applied the medication.
Do not use Dermovate for more than 5 days when using it on a child. Stop using Dermovate if your skin condition does not improve after two weeks and consult your doctor.
Read the patient information leaflet provided to you with your medication or speak to a healthcare professional for further information.
What happens if you use too much Dermovate cream?
If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Dermovate and you experience any side effects.
What are the side effects of Dermovate cream?
Side effects of Dermovate cream are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Skin dryness, irritation, itchiness
- Red skin
- Eye pain if used near the eye
- Headache
- Changes in skin colour
- Skin infections
- Skin tears
- Skin rash
- Easy bruising
Serious side effects include:
- Burning of the skin
- Lack of healing
- Numbness in fingers
- Red, painful, or itchy pus-containing blisters in hair follicles
- Unusual increase in hair growth
- An unusual loss of scalp hair
- Visible small blood vessels under the skin
- Changes in vision
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about using Dermovate cream at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Dermovate. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Dermovate cream used for psoriasis be used long term?
You should stop using Dermovate if your skin condition does not improve after two weeks and consult your doctor.
Is there a herbal Dermovate cream?
No. Herbal Dermovate does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Dermovate cream?
Women can use Dermovate. Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, before you start using this medication.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Dermovate cream?
You can eat and drink normally when using Dermovate.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with psoriasis?
Modify your lifestyle in a number of ways. This may have a positive impact on your psoriasis.
- Reduce stress
- Reduce illnesses, especially strep infections
- Avoid skin injury
- Limit alcohol intake
- Stop smoking
- Avoid certain foods
Alternatives to Dermovate cream
Alternatives for the treatment of psoriasis include Fucidin H cream, Fucibet cream, and Trimovate cream.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Dermovate
What is Dermovate?
Dermovate is a prescription-only topical corticosteroid containing clobetasol propionate 0.05%. It is classified as a very potent (Group IV — the strongest category) topical steroid in the UK. Dermovate is available as a cream, ointment, and scalp application. It is used to treat severe, resistant inflammatory skin conditions including severe eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and discoid lupus that have not responded to less potent steroid treatments. Dermovate is manufactured by GSK (now Organon in some markets).
How does Dermovate work?
Clobetasol propionate is the most potent topical corticosteroid available. It works by powerfully suppressing the inflammatory immune response in the skin, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cytokines. This dramatically reduces inflammation, redness, swelling, itching, and scaling. The very potent strength means it is reserved for conditions that have not responded to milder or potent steroids.
When should Dermovate be used?
Dermovate should only be used when less potent corticosteroids have been insufficient. It is appropriate for severe eczema flares, stubborn psoriasis plaques (especially on palms, soles, and scalp), lichen planus, discoid lupus erythematosus, and other resistant dermatoses. It should NOT be used on the face, groin, or armpits except under specialist dermatology supervision. Treatment should be limited to the shortest effective duration, typically no more than 2–4 weeks at a time.
How do I apply Dermovate?
Apply a thin layer of Dermovate cream or ointment to the affected area once or twice daily, gently rubbing it in. Use the fingertip unit (FTU) method to measure the right amount — one FTU covers an area equivalent to two adult hands. Do not apply more than 50 g per week. Wash hands after application. Apply emollients at a different time (leave at least 30 minutes between emollient and steroid). Dermovate ointment is preferred for dry, scaly conditions; cream for weeping or wet areas.
How long can I use Dermovate for?
Continuous use of Dermovate should be limited to a maximum of 2–4 weeks. Once the condition improves, step down to a less potent steroid for maintenance. Some dermatologists recommend ‘weekend therapy’ (applying Dermovate 2 days per week) for maintenance of chronic conditions like psoriasis, but this should only be done under medical supervision. Regular reviews are essential. Overuse of very potent steroids can cause serious skin damage.
What are the side effects of Dermovate?
With appropriate short-term use, side effects are usually mild. However, prolonged or excessive use can cause skin thinning (atrophy), stretch marks (striae), visible blood vessels (telangiectasia), easy bruising, and increased susceptibility to skin infections. On the face, it can cause perioral dermatitis and steroid rosacea. Systemic absorption with prolonged use on large areas can cause adrenal suppression, Cushing’s syndrome features, and growth retardation in children. Local effects such as burning, itching, and folliculitis may occur.
Is Dermovate safe for long-term use?
No, Dermovate is not intended for long-term continuous use due to the risk of serious side effects including irreversible skin thinning and systemic steroid absorption. It should be used in short courses (2–4 weeks) for flares, then stepped down to a less potent steroid or maintained with emollients alone. If your condition requires frequent Dermovate use, discuss alternative treatments (such as calcineurin inhibitors, vitamin D analogues, or systemic therapies) with your dermatologist.
Can I use Dermovate on my face?
Dermovate should not be used on the face, genitals, or skin folds (armpits, groin) unless specifically directed by a dermatologist, as these areas have thinner skin that is more vulnerable to steroid side effects. Use of very potent steroids on the face can rapidly cause skin thinning, perioral dermatitis, steroid rosacea, and telangiectasia. Mild or moderate potency steroids are appropriate for facial use. If your prescriber advises facial use, it should be for the shortest possible duration.
Can I use Dermovate during pregnancy?
Very potent topical steroids like Dermovate should be used with particular caution during pregnancy. Use should be limited to small areas for the shortest duration possible. Extensive or prolonged use in pregnancy has theoretical risks for foetal growth. Always consult your doctor or midwife. Milder topical steroids may be more appropriate during pregnancy and should be tried first.
How can I get a prescription for Dermovate?
Dermovate requires a prescription and is available on the NHS from your GP or dermatologist. It can also be obtained through online prescribing services like NowPatient. Your prescriber will assess the severity of your skin condition and ensure that less potent treatments have been tried first. NowPatient provides convenient online consultations with qualified UK prescribers.
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