Clobetasol®

What is Clobetasol?

Clobetasol is a prescription-strength topical corticosteroid cream. It’s usually used to manage skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, but it can be prescribed off-label to treat alopecia areata.

Its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant action can both stop hair loss and help promote hair growth.

How does Clobetasol work?

Clobetasol works by reducing inflammation and suppressing your body’s immune response.

For alopecia areata, this means it can reverse hair follicle damage by healing and unclogging pores, as well as preventing further damage by stopping your immune system from attacking hair follicles.

What doses of Clobetasol are there?

Clobetasol is available in a single 0.05% strength cream.

It’s typically applied to your scalp or other affected areas once a day, although your physician might suggest you use it more regularly.

How to use Clobetasol

You’ll usually only need to use Clobetasol once a day, but your physician will advise you if they think you need to apply it more often.

To use the cream:

• wash your hands;
• apply a thin layer of Clobetasol to affected areas of skin (including your scalp);
• rub the cream into your skin in the same direction your hair grows.

Avoid applying the cream to areas of broken skin, such as cuts. Wash your hands after each application.