Dermovate Ointment is used in short courses to treat severe inflammatory skin disorders, such as those below, when milder corticosteroids have not been effective: eczema, psoriasis, skin disorder called lichen planus, in which there are patches on the skin that appear as flat-topped, shiny, almost violet itchy areas, skin disorder called discoid lupus erythematosus, which is caused by the immune system attacking the skin.

Dermovate Ointment contain the active ingredient Clobetasol Propionate, which is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Skin inflammation may occur as a result of an allergic reaction, or irritation of the skin. It is caused by the immune system releasing substances that make blood vessels in the skin widen. This makes the irritated area become red, swollen, itchy and painful, as is seen in dermatitis or eczema. 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. There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids applied to the skin. Clobetasol Propionate is classed as a very potent corticosteroid. It is prescribed to treat severe inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis that have not responded to weaker corticosteroids.

Dermovate Ointment is more greasy than the cream. It is more suitable for very dry, scaly areas of skin, whereas moist or weepy skin is best treated with the cream.

Dermovate Ointment should be applied thinly to the affected areas of skin once or twice a day to start with. As soon as the condition starts to improve, you should use it less frequently, as directed by your doctor. If your doctor has advised you to use dressings with Dermovate Ointment, the skin should be cleansed before applying the cream or ointment under a fresh dressing.

Take care to avoid getting the ointment in the eyes, or inside the mouth or nose. Rinse with cold water if you accidentally get it in these areas. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Dermovate Ointment, unless the hands are the area being treated.

Dermovate Ointment should not be used for longer than four weeks at a time. However, if you are applying this medicine to the face or to a child’s skin, it should preferably not be used for longer than five days at a time. If your skin condition has not improved after two to four weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor. Repeat courses maybe necessary to control flare-ups of your skin condition, but should only be started on the advice of your doctor. Don’t use Dermovate Ointment more often or for longer than advised by your doctor.