This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Clobetasol is a steroid medicine that's used on the skin to treat swelling, itching and irritation. Although it is a steroid, it's not the same as anabolic steroids.
Clobetasol is a very strong steroid. It works by reducing the swelling (inflammation), itching and pain caused by an allergic reaction or irritation.
It can help with skin problems such as:
Clobetasol is available on prescription only.
It comes as a cream, ointment, scalp treatment and shampoo.
There is also a cream and ointment called clobetasone which sounds similar to clobetasol. Clobetasone is much milder and you can buy it from pharmacies or shops.
Clobetasol is also available as a medicine combined with an antibiotic (neomycin sulfate) and an antifungal (nystatin). This is only available on prescription.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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