Dont Scratch That Itch
Refrain from rubbing or scrubbing your scalp when shampooing, as tempting as it may be to dig into those itchy spots. Scratching induces trauma which in turn induces psoriasis, a process known as Koebnerization, Bagel explains.
If youre finding it hard not to scratch, try applying a dab of hydrocortisone, a mild corticosteroid, to itchy spots, to help decrease itching and inflammation, the NPF says. Start with the least powerful topical steroid that works for you, and use it just three to four times a week.
Drug Forms And Administration
Clobex comes as a shampoo, lotion, and spray. Its used topically on affected areas of your skin as your doctor recommends.
Because Clobex is a strong steroid, it should be used for the least amount of time thats needed to treat your condition. Its usually recommended that you use Clobex for only 2 weeks in a row when you start treatment. But in some cases, your doctor may extend Clobex treatment for another 2 weeks. This usually depends on how your condition responds to treatment and which form of Clobex youre using.
For more information on Clobex dosing and how to use the drug, see the sections Clobex dosage and How to use Clobex below.
Diprolene is available only as an ointment. Its applied topically in a thin layer to affected areas of your skin as directed by your doctor. Diprolene is used once or twice daily for up to 2 weeks.
Can I Use My Typical Hair Care Products If Im Using Clobex Shampoo
Yes, possibly. While youre using Clobex shampoo, youll lather the product in your hair, and then rinse your hair until all the shampoo is removed. You dont need to use any other shampoo after youve used Clobex. But if youd like to use a non-medicated shampoo after washing with Clobex, you can do so.
However, theres no information from the manufacturer of Clobex that states whether its safe to use other hair products, such as hair spray or mousse.
If youd like to use certain hair products while youre using Clobex shampoo, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether its safe for you to do so. But keep in mind that some products, including hairspray, may cause irritation on your scalp. And this could worsen your scalp psoriasis, which Clobex is being used to treat.
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Will Clobex Cure My Condition
Yes, depending on the condition that you have, Clobex may cure your condition.
For example, Clobex may cure certain skin conditions or rashes that respond to steroids. In this case, Clobex may completely clear up your skin.
However, its important to know that plaque psoriasis, which Clobex is also approved to treat, is a chronic condition. Although Clobex can help clear up psoriasis lesions on your skin, it wont cure psoriasis. This means that your psoriasis may come back again after its been cleared up with treatment.
If you have questions about what you can expect from Clobex treatment, talk with your doctor. Theyll let you know how Clobex will affect your skin condition.
Complementary And Alternative Treatments
Youll find plenty of these for treating psoriasis. The US Food and Drug Administration doesnt regulate these products. As such, few of these treatments have been studied. Those that have been studied were tested on small numbers of people, so we dont know how well these treatments work. We also dont know whether theyre safe.
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Does Clobex Treat Bacterial Or Fungal Infections
No, Clobex doesnt treat bacterial or fungal infections. In fact, Clobex may actually increase the risk of infections. This is because the drug suppresses certain immune system cells that would normally fight off skin infections.
If you have a bacterial or fungal infection, its important to talk with your doctor. They can recommend if you need to use a medication that specifically treats infections. For example, they may advise that you use an antibacterial or antifungal cream.
For more information on how Clobex may cause new or worsening skin infections, see the section Clobex side effects above.
How Long Will I Use It For
Most people only need to use betamethasone skin treatments for a short time. Stop as soon as your skin is better. Sometimes you only need to use the skin treatments for a few days.
Do not use the medicated plasters for more than 30 days.
If you’re using the scalp foam, or are using betamethasone on your face, ask your doctor or pharmacist how long to use it for.
If you’re using the cream, ointment or lotion, tell your doctor if your skin gets worse or does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks .
Children must not use the scalp application or foam for more than 5 to 7 days .
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How Should I Use Enstilar Foam
Read the Instructions For Use that comes with Enstilar Foam. There you will find information about how to apply and store Enstilar Foam.
Use Enstilar Foam exactly as your healthcare provider says. Do not use more than 60 grams of Enstilar Foam every 4 days.
Do not use Enstilar Foam for longer than prescribed. Using too much Enstilar Foam or using it too often or for too long can increase your risk for having serious side effects.
Do not bandage or cover the treated skin area, unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
Gently rub in Enstilar Foam to your affected areas. Wash your hands after applying Enstilar Foam unless you are using it to treat your hands.
Apply Enstilar Foam to the affected areas of your skin 1 time a day for up to 4 weeks. You should stop treatment when your plaque psoriasis is under control, unless your healthcare provider gives you other instructions.
What Are The Different Forms
- Cream
- Ointment
- Gel/Jelly
- Spray
- Solution
- Foam
- Lotion
- Shampoo
Patients should apply the medication directly to the affected area no more than 2 to 3 times a day, and should not exceed 50 g in a single week unless prescribed that way by your doctor. It is not recommended for children under 12 and in some cases children under 16.
So if you think exceeding the recommended dosage will clear up your skin faster, and have you Friday night ready, think again, because it wont. And more than likely you will only cause further damage to your skin. And thats not helpful for you, your little black dress, or your Friday night outing. Thus, be careful to follow the instructions accordingly, and you just might get to wear that little black dress after all!
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to betamethasone.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Who Can And Cannot Use Betamethasone For Skin
Most adults aged 18 or over can use betamethasone skin treatments. Medicated plasters are suitable for adults only.
Most other betamethasone skin treatments can be used by children over the age of 1 year. Occasionally a specialist may prescribe them for a younger child. However, some betamethasone creams and foams will only be prescribed for children aged 6 years and older.
Betamethasone may not be suitable for some people. Tell a pharmacist or doctor before using it if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to betamethasone, any of the ingredients, or any other medicine in the past
- are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or you’re breastfeeding
- have acne, rosacea or a type of psoriasis called “plaque psoriasis”
- have a skin infection
- have broken skin, cuts or itchy skin that is not inflamed or red
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Side Effects And Risks
Clobex and Diprolene both contain a corticosteroid. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.
Note: Your side effects may vary from those listed below, depending on the form of Clobex youre using.
Mild side effects
These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Clobex, with Diprolene, or with both drugs .
- Can occur with Clobex:
Treatment: Where To Start
The most common treatments for mild cases are medications that you put directly on your scalp. If you have a more severe case or have psoriasis elsewhere on your body, you may need a medication that treats your whole body. You can take these medications by mouth or injection.
If your psoriasis doesn’t respond well after repeated use of one medication, your doctor may replace or combine it with another type of treatment.
One of the first steps is to soften and remove scales. This makes it easier for medications to do their job.
- Apply over-the-counter products to your scalp to help soften scales and make them easier to peel off. Look for products with the active ingredients salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide.
- Gently loosen the scales with a brush or fine-toothed comb.
- Shampoo your scalp to remove the scales, using a salicylic acid shampoo or soap.
- Apply thick creams to your scalp while it’s still damp to hold in the moisture.
To apply medication:
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What If I Miss A Dose
If you miss an application of Clobex, dont apply extra Clobex the next time you apply the medication. Doing so could increase your risk of side effects from Clobex. Instead, just apply your next dose at the usual time. And be sure to always use Clobex exactly the way it was prescribed for you.
To help make sure that you dont miss an application of Clobex, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.
Betamethasone Cream And Ointment
Creams are better for skin that is moist and weepy. Ointments are thicker and greasier, and are better for dry or flaky areas of skin.
You will usually use betamethasone skin cream or ointment once or twice a day.
The amount of cream or ointment you need to use is sometimes measured in fingertip units. This is the amount you can squeeze onto the end of your finger.
A fingertip unit of cream is generally enough to treat an area that’s twice the size of the palm of your hand.
For children, the right amount of cream or ointment depends on their age. A doctor or pharmacist can advise you.
If you are prescribed a combination cream containing betamethasone and an antibiotic, follow the instructions that come with your medicine.
How to apply cream or ointment
Do not use betamethasone skin cream or ointment at the same time as any other creams or ointments, such as a moisturiser or emollient. Wait at least 30 minutes before using any other skin product after you put on betamethasone cream or ointment.
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How To Use Clobex
You should use Clobex according to your doctors or healthcare providers instructions.
Clobex comes as a shampoo, lotion, and spray. Its used topically on affected areas of your skin as directed by your doctor. Below, we describe how each form of Clobex is typically used. But be sure to follow the dosage and instructions for use that your doctor provides.
To help make sure that you dont forget to apply the medication, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.
What To Do For Infection
If your scalp psoriasis becomes infected, you may have crusting, redness, warmth, tenderness, and sometimes swelling of your lymph nodes. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic treatment for this problem.
Show Sources
National Psoriasis Foundation: “Specific locations: scalp,” “Scalp Psoriasis,” and “Over-the-Counter Topicals,” “Traditional systemic medications,” “Moderate to severe psoriasis: Biologic drugs.”
Handa, S. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2010.
Skin Therapy Letter: “Treatments for Scalp Psoriasis with Emphasis on Calcipotriol Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Gel .”
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How Long Does It Take To Work
How long Clobex takes to start working varies from person to person. It depends on the condition youre using the drug to treat. And it depends on how severe your condition is.
Based on how quickly your condition improves with Clobex, your doctor will determine how long you should use this drug. This length of time is typically a couple of weeks. But be sure to only use Clobex for the length of time directed by your doctor.
Otezla Is Proven To Help Get Clearer Skin On The Scalp
In a clinical trial, 201 people taking Otezla were compared to 102 people taking a placebo .
Some people also experienced a reduction in scalp and whole body itch after just 4 months of treatment. See the charts below for a closer look at the percentage of people that experienced an improvement while taking Otezla.
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Terms And Conditions And Eligibility Requirements:
Typical Dosing For Clobetasol
- All forms except the shampoo: Apply or spray a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin twice a day and rub in gently and completely.
- Shampoo: Make sure your scalp is dry before applying. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of your scalp and massage gently once a day. Leave on for 15 minutes. Then, wet the scalp, lather, and rinse off.
Don’t use more than 50 grams of clobetasol per week.
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What Other Symptoms Should I Look For
Well, obviously the constant itching is a good indicator that something is wrong. And if you scratch that area too much, you will end up with more inflammation than you started with.
So for eczema, other symptoms might be:
- Dry, sensitive skin
- Oozing or crusting over the rash
- Swelling
- Dark colored patches of skin
As for psoriasis, there are several different types and several different sub-categories of those types, and each one goes through its own cycle of flaring up and subsiding, and even going into complete remission. Psoriasis is a bit more complex than eczema and varies from person to person. Although, each type is medically treated accordingly.
Some other symptoms you might experience with psoriasis are:
- Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
- Small scaling spots
- Dry cracked skin that may bleed
- Blisters
- Itching and burning at the same time
- Soreness
How A Dermatologist Can Help
With so many products, it can be difficult to know what to use. If you dont see the results you like with OTC treatment for psoriasis, you may want to see dermatologist. Dermatologists are the skin disease experts. They know how to tailor psoriasis treatment to the type of psoriasis you have. Sometimes, this requires combining treatments. You may also need one treatment plan to gain control over your psoriasis and another to maintain the results.
ImagesGetty Images
ReferencesMenter A, Korman NJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Section 3: Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 60:64359.
Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Coal tar: Back to the future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Aug 61:294-302.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Amgen and .
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