About clobetasone butyrate

Clobetasone butyrate is classed as a moderately potent topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids are also referred to as topical steroids. Topical steroids are used in addition to moisturisers (emollients) for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema e dermatite. A topical steroid is used when patches of eczema or dermatitis flare up. Clobetasone butyrate relieves the symptoms of a flare-up by reducing inflammation, itching and redness. It is not a cure for the condition, but it will help to relieve the symptoms. Although less potent topical steriods are often preferred for use in children, a short course of clobetasone butyrate may be prescribed for a child with severe eczema on the arms or legs.

Short courses of clobetasone butyrate may also be prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis for areas such as the face, or the inside of elbows and behind the knees.

It is likely you will be prescribed a cream if the affected areas of your skin are moist or weeping, or an ointment if your skin is dry. Clobetasone butyrate is available on prescription. Small packs of clobetasone butyrate can also be bought at a pharmacy, without a prescription, under certain conditions.

There is a brand of clobetasone butyrate called Trimovate®. This cream contains two antibacterial agents in addition to the topical steroid. These are oxytetracycline and nystatin. You may be prescribed this for a short period if some areas of your skin have become infected. It is typically used twice a day for one week only.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using clobetasone butyrate it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• Se hai delle aree di pelle infetta.

• Se hai la rosacea o l'acne.

• Se sei incinta o stai allattando.

• Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a una preparazione per la pelle.

• Prima di iniziare a utilizzare la preparazione, leggi il foglietto illustrativo stampato dal produttore all'interno della confezione. Ti fornirà ulteriori informazioni sugli steroidi topici e ti fornirà un elenco completo degli effetti collaterali che potresti riscontrare utilizzandoli.

• Apply a small amount to the areas of skin which are inflamed. Then gently rub it into the skin until it has disappeared. Unless you have been prescribed the brand called Trimovate®, do not use it on any areas of infected skin.

• Your doctor will tell you how often to apply the cream or ointment. It should not be applied more than twice a day, and once a day is often sufficient.

• La quantità di steroide topico che dovresti applicare è comunemente misurata in unità di punta delle dita (FTU). Un FTU è la quantità di crema o unguento che viene spremuta lungo la punta del dito di un adulto (cioè, dalla fine del dito alla prima piega del dito). Come guida, un FTU è sufficiente per coprire un'area due volte la dimensione di una mano adulta. Il tuo medico ti darà un'idea di quanti FTU avrai bisogno per coprire l'area della tua pelle che è interessata.

• Se stai usando più di un corticosteroide topico, assicurati di sapere quando e dove usare ciascuno. Se hai dubbi, consulta il tuo medico o chiedi ulteriori consigli al tuo farmacista.

• After you have applied clobetasone butyrate, remember to wash your hands (unless your hands are the treated area).

• If you are using clobetasone butyrate for psoriasis, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It should not be used for large areas of psoriasis or for long periods of time, as these can cause your symptoms to flare up again afterwards.

• Children are susceptible to side-effects from topical steroids. The main concern is for children who need frequent courses, as it can have an effect on their growth and this may need to be monitored. If your child has been prescribed clobetasone butyrate, follow the directions you have been given very carefully, and do not use it for longer than you have been told to. As a general rule, it should not be used for more than 1-2 weeks in children. It is not suitable for children under 12 years of age unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

• If you are using a moisturiser along with this preparation, apply the moisturiser first. Then wait 10-15 minutes before applying clobetasone butyrate. This allows time for the moisturiser to be absorbed before the topical corticosteroid is applied. Your skin should be moist but not slippery when you apply clobetasone butyrate.

• If you have been told to use the cream/ointment on your face, be careful not to get any near your eyes and do not use it for longer periods of time than you have been advised.

• A meno che non sia consigliato dal medico, non applicare una benda o una medicazione sulla zona trattata, poiché ciò aumenterà l'assorbimento dello steroide attraverso la pelle e aumenterà il rischio di effetti collaterali.

• Your doctor will tell you how long to use the preparation for. The general rule is to continue to use the cream/ointment until the flare-up has gone and then to stop it. A course of treatment for 7-14 days is often sufficient. If your symptoms have not improved after this time (or if they get worse), speak again with your doctor for further advice. Some people with severe skin conditions may be advised to use it for up to four weeks between courses of more potent topical steroids. Clobetasone butyrate should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body, especially in children.

• If you are using Trimovate® cream, be careful not to let the preparation come into contact with your clothing, as it may stain.

• After you finish using clobetasone butyrate, continue to use your moisturiser every day. This will help to prevent a further flare-up. Your doctor may also prescribe a less potent steroid cream for you to use when needed.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects but not everyone will experience them. Although side-effects from moderately potent corticosteroids like clobetasone butyrate are rare, you can reduce the risk further by applying the preparation thinly, no more than twice a day, and to the affected areas only.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the cream/ointment, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.