Did the doctor prescribe Clobetasol for your skin problem? (Clobetasol) Let's find out exactly what this is.

Is your skin itchy, red, swollen, and sometimes flaky? There are times when skin problems like this can be so bothersome that you can't even do your daily activities, right? So when you go to see a doctor for a condition like this, he will probably prescribe you a cream or gel. Today we are talking about a medicine that is commonly prescribed in such cases, which is used by many people, but you need to be aware of how to use it correctly. That is Clobetasol.

Simply put, what is Clobetasol?

Clobetasol is a type of medication that is applied to the skin. To be precise, it belongs to a class of medications called 'topical steroids.' 'Topical' means applied to the skin. 'Steroids' are chemicals that act like hormones in our bodies, controlling inflammation, which means swelling and redness.

This medicine works by controlling the symptoms of swelling, redness, severe itching, and scaling on your skin. It is very helpful in reducing the discomfort caused by skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Simply put, it reduces inflammation in the skin and helps the skin heal.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Clobetasol is a very strong medicine, so it is very important to tell your doctor about your medical history before using it. Especially if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes Mellitus: Steroid medications can sometimes affect blood sugar levels. So if you are diabetic, you should inform your doctor about it.
• Large areas of burned or injured skin: If you have damaged skin over a large area of ​​your body, it may be risky to use this medicine.
• Liver disease: Tell us if you have any liver-related conditions.
• Skin Infection: This is very important. If you have a bacterial or fungal infection on your skin, applying steroids can make the infection worse. So your doctor will determine if you have a skin infection or another condition.
• Allergies: You should tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Clobetasol, other steroids, other medications, foods, or the dyes used in the medication.
• Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant: If you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant in the near future, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should be especially careful when using this medicine. Therefore, inform your doctor about this as well.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.

• Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you applied the medicine to your hands, do not wash your hands again after applying it (unless your doctor tells you to).
• Do not apply to healthy skin: Do not apply this medicine to unproblematic, healthy skin areas. Apply only to the affected area.
• Eye protection: Be careful not to get the medicine in your eyes, mouth, or inside your nose. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately flush your eyes with plenty of clean water.
• Apply a thin layer: You don't need to apply the medicine very thickly. Apply a very thin film to cover the affected area and rub in gently.
• Follow your doctor's instructions: Use only as often as your doctor prescribes, for the duration prescribed. Do not apply too often or apply too much, hoping to relieve symptoms quickly. Doing so will increase the risk of side effects.
• Do not apply bandages: Unless specifically instructed by your doctor, do not cover the area where the medication was applied with bandages, plasters, or anything else. Doing so may increase the amount of medication absorbed into the skin and cause side effects.

When used by children

This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over the age of 12 for special conditions. However, never use this medicine on children without the advice of a doctor. Children's skin is very sensitive, so the risk of side effects is higher.

What if the medication dose increases or side effects occur?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine or are experiencing a serious side effect, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Be aware of the possible side effects of this medication from the table below.

A few more things to be careful about

• Diaper Rash: Unless specifically instructed to do so by a doctor, do not apply this medicine to a baby's diaper rash. If you do, do not cover the area with a tight diaper or plastic pants. As I mentioned earlier, doing so can increase the amount of medicine absorbed into the skin, which can cause dangerous side effects.
• Latex products: This is something that many people don't know, but it's very important. If Clobetasol comes into contact with items made of latex (e.g. condoms, birth control diaphragms), it can damage those latex products and reduce their effectiveness. So be careful about that when using this medication.
• Other cosmetics: Do not apply other cosmetics or other skin products to the area where Clobetasol is applied. If you need to do so, ask your doctor for advice.
• Do not share this medicine: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

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