How does Dermol Cream / Ointment (Clobetasol Propionate) work:

Dermol (Clobetasol Propionate) is a very active topical corticosteroid which is of particular value when used in short courses for conditions which do not respond satisfactorily to less active steroids. Dermol Cream / Ointment is used to treat psoriasis, eczema.

Clobetasol Propionate, the active ingredient, is used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin happens due to irritation of the skin, and is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. When clobetasol is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the skin cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itch. Clobetasol is a very potent corticosteroid that is applied to the skin to treat severe inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, that have not responded to milder steroids.

Dosage & Administration:

Apply sparingly to the affected area once or twice daily until improvement occurs. As with other highly active topical steroid preparations, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. In the more responsive conditions this may be within a few days. If no improvement is seen within two to four weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis, or referral, may be necessary.

Side Effects:

• Thinning of the skin
• Changes in skin pigmentation
• Stretch marks
• Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin
• Excessive hair growth

Precautions:

Long-term continuous topical therapy should be avoided where possible, particularly in infants and children. If used in childhood or on the face, courses should be limited if possible to five days and occlusion should not be used. The face, more than other areas of the body, may exhibit atrophic changes after prolonged treatment with potent topical corticosteroids. This must be borne in mind when treating such conditions as psoriasis, discoid lupus erythematosus and severe eczema. If applied to the eyelids, care is needed to ensure that the preparation does not enter the eye, as glaucoma or cataract might result.

Topical corticosteroids may be hazardous in psoriasis for a number of reasons including rebound relapses, development of tolerance, risk of generalised pustular psoriasis and development of local or systemic toxicity due to impaired barrier function of the skin. If used in psoriasis careful patient supervision is important. If you are pregnant do not use without first discussing with your physician.