Description
How it works
Clobetasone butyrate is a steroid medicine used on the skin. It belongs to the group of medicines called topical corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, redness and itching.
In conditions like eczema and dermatitis, your skin’s immune cells over-react and release chemicals that cause:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Heat
- Itching and irritation
Eumovate works by:
- Suppressing the local inflammatory response in the skin
- Narrowing widened blood vessels in the affected area
- Reducing swelling, redness and itch
Because clobetasone is moderately potent, it sits between mild steroids (like hydrocortisone) and strong ones (like betamethasone or clobetasol), making it useful for mild–moderate flares or maintenance between stronger steroids.
Who it may be suitable for
From the SmPC and patient leaflet, Eumovate Cream is indicated for adults, elderly, children and infants for the relief of inflammatory and itchy (pruritic) steroid-responsive skin conditions (“dermatoses”), including:
- Atopic dermatitis / eczema
- Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Nappy rash
- Photodermatitis (sun-induced rash)
- Otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear – usually under medical supervision)
- Prurigo nodularis
- Insect bite reactions
The Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis 0.05% Cream product (like the 15 g OTC tube) is specifically licensed for short-term treatment and control of patches of eczema and dermatitis in adults and children aged 12 years and over.
On 24 HR Pharmacy, Eumovate/clobetasone is offered for:
- Short-term treatment and control of patches of red, itchy skin caused by eczema and dermatitis
- Situations where you need to get a flare under control while still using regular moisturisers
It may be suitable if:
- You have mild to moderate eczema or dermatitis confirmed by a healthcare professional
- The skin is red, inflamed and itchy, not simply dry or non-inflamed itch
- You need a moderately potent steroid rather than a very strong one
- You can use it only on limited areas and for short periods
You will be asked to complete an online eczema/skin consultation on the 24 HRPharmacy page so a prescriber can confirm that Eumovate is appropriate and safe for you.
Who it may not be suitable for
- If you are allergic to clobetasone butyrate or any of the ingredients (e.g. cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol, paraffin)
- To treat any of these conditions, as it can make them worse:
- Infected skin (e.g. chickenpox, cold sores, herpes, athlete’s foot, thrush) unless infection is being treated at the same time
- Acne
- Rosacea (flushing over the nose/cheeks)
- Itchy skin that is not inflamed
- Eczema around a leg ulcer
You must not use this product:
- On large areas of skin
- On the face, groin, genital area, or between the toes
- On open wounds
- Under bandages or dressings (including occlusive plasters)
Age considerations:
- Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis 0.05% Cream (15 g) is licensed for adults and children 12+.
- The prescription-only Eumovate Cream in the SmPC can be used in children and infants, but children under 12 should only use it on the advice of a doctor, and treatment should generally not exceed 7 days.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
- If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, planning a baby, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Eumovate.
- If used while breastfeeding, do not apply to the breast area, to avoid contact with your baby.
Side Effects
24 HR Pharmacy lists the following possible side effects:
- Skin redness
- Itching
- Reaction such as hives
- Burning sensation at the treatment site
- Skin thinning
- Change in skin colour
From the PIL and SmPC:
Common local reactions (especially early in treatment):
- Burning or stinging at the application site
- Itching
- Mild irritation, soreness or dryness
These are usually mild and improve as your skin settles. If irritation is severe, your leaflet advises stopping and seeking advice.
With longer-term or inappropriate use (especially on thin skin, large areas, under occlusion, or in children):
- Skin thinning (atrophy) and easy bruising
- Stretch marks (striae)
- Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia)
- Changes in skin colour (lightening or darkening)
- Excess hair growth at the site
- Acne-like eruptions or worsening psoriasis
You should be warned about steroid withdrawal reactions if the cream is used over prolonged periods, then stopped: this can look different from your original condition and may include:
- Redness spreading beyond the original treated area
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Intense itching
- Peeling, oozing, or open sores
Systemic steroid effects (rare):
If used over large areas or for too long, especially in children, clobetasone can occasionally be absorbed enough to cause systemic steroid effects such as:
- Adrenal suppression (fatigue, weight gain, Cushing-like features)
- Growth retardation in children
- Glaucoma, cataracts or blurred vision
Stop using Eumovate and seek urgent medical advice if you:
- Develop severe rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Have difficulty breathing
- Notice severe skin thinning, stretch marks, unusual bruising or infection
- Experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
Key facts:
- Medicine name:
- Eumovate Cream / Ointment (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%)
- Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis 0.05% Cream (15 g pharmacy-only pack)
- Active ingredient: clobetasone butyrate 0.05% w/w
- Potency: Moderately potent topical corticosteroid
- Indications (SmPC): relief of inflammatory and itchy manifestations of steroid-responsive dermatoses – atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, nappy rash, photodermatitis, otitis externa, prurigo nodularis, insect bite reactions.
- Indications (Eczema & Dermatitis OTC cream): short-term treatment and control of patches of eczema and dermatitis (including atopic eczema and primary irritant/allergic dermatitis) in adults and children 12+.
- Use as maintenance: Eumovate may be used as maintenance therapy between courses of a stronger topical steroid.
- Excipients with known effect: cetostearyl alcohol (may cause local reactions), chlorocresol (allergic reactions), paraffin (flammability risk).
- Legal status:
- Eumovate Cream is generally prescription-only;
- Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis 0.05% Cream is a pharmacy medicine that can be supplied after a short pharmacist-led assessment, which your online consultation replicates.
From 24 HR Pharmacy:
- Clobetasone Butyrate (Eumovate) is under Eczema / Prescription Only Medicines / Skin Health.
- It is a moderately potent corticosteroid and is for short-term use to control eczema/dermatitis flare-ups.
- Orders approved before 3pm Monday–Friday are usually dispatched the same day.
Directions
Always use Eumovate exactly as directed by your prescriber / pharmacist and as described in the patient leaflet.
From the SmPC and PIL:
Usual dose
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area only
- Once or twice daily (most commonly morning and/or evening)
- Continue until the flare has clearly improved, then reduce frequency or stop, as advised
Key duration guidance:
- For adults/elderly: continuous daily treatment for longer than 4 weeks is not recommended
- For children and infants: treatment should usually not exceed 7 days, and use in children under 12 should be on the advice of a doctor
Step-by-step application
From the PIL and SmPC (paraphrased):
- Prepare the skin
- Gently wash with water or a mild, soap-free cleanser.
- Pat dry – don’t scrub or rub.
- Apply Eumovate
- Squeeze out a small amount onto your fingertip.
- Apply a thin film to the affected area – just enough to cover the inflamed skin.
- Gently rub in until the cream or ointment disappears.
- Allow to absorb, then moisturise
- Let Eumovate absorb fully before applying any emollient (moisturiser) – the SmPC recommends allowing adequate time for absorption after each application.
- Continue to use a regular moisturiser to help keep your skin condition under control between flares.
- Wash hands
- Unless your hands are the area being treated, wash them after applying to avoid transferring steroid to other skin areas (or eyes).
- Tapering / stepping down
- Once your skin is under control, the SmPC advises gradually reducing the frequency of applications and/or switching to a less potent steroid, while continuing emollients to maintain control and reduce the risk of rebound flare or withdrawal reaction.
Important precautions
- For external use only – do not swallow.
- Do not use on the face, groin, genital area, or between the toes, unless a doctor specifically tells you.
- Do not use under occlusive dressings (including tight bandages, plasters or nappies) unless advised – this greatly increases absorption and side-effect risk.
- Avoid use on broken skin, open wounds or ulcers.
- Take extra care on thin skin and in children, using the smallest amount for the shortest possible time.
- The cream contains paraffin; fabrics (clothes, bedding, dressings) that contact the cream can become more flammable – keep away from naked flames and heat sources.
Missed a dose?
Topical clobetasone is usually used once or twice daily, so the advice is simple:
- If you forget an application, apply the cream/ointment as soon as you remember.
- If it’s nearly time for the next application, skip the missed one and use it again at your usual time.
- Do not apply extra or “double up” to make up for a missed dose – this will not clear your skin faster and may increase the risk of irritation or steroid side effects.
If you find you are often forgetting doses, speak with your prescriber or pharmacist about how best to manage your treatment without extending total duration beyond what has been recommended.
FAQs
What is Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate) used for?
Eumovate is a moderately potent steroid cream/ointment used on the skin to reduce redness, swelling and itching in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, nappy rash, seborrhoeic dermatitis and insect bite reactions. The 15 g Eczema & Dermatitis cream is specifically for short-term treatment of eczema and dermatitis patches in adults and children 12+.
How long can I use Eumovate for?
For adults, continuous daily use should generally not exceed 4 weeks without a medical review. For children and infants, treatment should usually not exceed 7 days and must only be used on a doctor’s advice. Regarding the OTC Eczema & Dermatitis cream, it is intended for short-term use on limited areas. If there is no improvement within a week, or if your symptoms worsen, you should seek a medical review.
Can I use moisturiser with Eumovate?
Yes—and you should. Apply a thin layer of Eumovate first to the affected area and allow it to absorb fully. Then, apply your regular emollient (moisturiser) over and around the area. Using moisturisers regularly, even when you aren't experiencing a flare-up, is essential for maintaining control of eczema and dermatitis.
Can I use Eumovate on my face?
Generally no, unless a doctor specifically tells you to, and only for a very short period. You should not use it on the face, groin, genital area, or between the toes. Facial skin is significantly thinner and more prone to side effects like skin thinning, visible veins, and steroid-induced rashes. For long-term facial conditions, milder steroids or non-steroid treatment options are usually preferred.
Is Eumovate stronger than hydrocortisone?
Yes. While Hydrocortisone 1% is a mild topical steroid, Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate) is classified as a moderately potent steroid. This makes it stronger than hydrocortisone, but still weaker than potent agents like betamethasone valerate or very potent clobetasol propionate.
Can I use Eumovate long term?
No—Eumovate is intended for short-term use to control flares rather than continuous long-term daily use. Continuous use beyond 4 weeks in adults or 7 days in children is not recommended without medical advice, as long-term or repeated frequent use increases the risk of skin thinning, stretch marks, steroid withdrawal, and systemic effects. For ongoing control, clinicians usually recommend regular emollients and, if needed, intermittent steroid use or other non-steroid treatments.
What should I do if my skin becomes very sore, thin, or starts to look different?
These can be signs of over-use or sensitivity. You should stop using Eumovate on that area and contact your GP, dermatologist, or 24 HR Pharmacy prescriber for advice as soon as possible. Seek urgent help if you also experience swelling, breathing problems, severe burning, or oozing sores, as these may indicate an allergic reaction, infection, or severe withdrawal reaction.
How do I get Eumovate from 24 HRPharmacy?
To order, go to your Clobetasone Butyrate (Eumovate) product page and click “Start Eczema Consultation.” Complete the short online medical questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber; if appropriate, they will issue a private prescription or confirm your suitability for the pharmacy-only pack. If your order is approved before 3pm (Mon–Fri), it is usually dispatched the same day.
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