Clobetasol is indicated for use as a treatment for symptoms caused by various skin conditions. This includes plaque psoriasis and eczema. It is also prescribed as a foam or shampoo to treat scalp psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a common, often chronic, skin condition that causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on various parts of the body. The elbows, knees, scalp, feet, lower back, and genitals are the most common areas affected by psoriasis. These patches of inflamed skin are called plaques. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, affecting nearly 7 million Americans every year.
Psoriasis is caused by an overreactive immune system that generates new skin cells at rapid rates. When these skin cells are produced quickly, they begin to build up on the surface of the skin. This leads to the patchy, scaly skin symptomatic of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is not contagious, although it can be passed down through genetics. Symptoms usually begin to appear between the ages of 15 and 25. In some cases, the symptoms of psoriasis are brought on by a trigger that causes an outbreak.
Common symptoms of psoriasis include:
- Skin rash that can affect small-to-large areas of skin
- Skin dryness that can crack and bleed
- Flaking
- Peeling skin
- Itching or burning
- Hair loss (caused by scalp psoriasis)
Clobetasol is also prescribed to treat forms of dermatitis (eczema). The most common form of eczema; atopic dermatitis is caused by a weakened natural barrier of the skin, which makes the skin more vulnerable to irritants and allergens. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by environmental factors, a weakened immune system, or genetics.
The most common symptoms of eczema include:
- Itchy skin
- Dry skin
- Inflamed and discolored skin
- Crusting
- Scaly patches of skin
Contact dermatitis can be caused by an allergic reaction to something you touch or a reaction to a chemical/ harsh substance that irritates the skin. Contact dermatitis can be caused by certain cleaning products (like bleach), poison ivy, skin care products, latex, or nickel metal.
When left untreated, psoriasis and eczema can cause serious complications. When skin is irritated it can become easily cracked. Cracked and broken skin is susceptible to becoming infected by viruses and bacteria, leading to potentially life-threatening skin infections.