Temovate (Clobetasol) vs Topical Steroid Alternatives: Potency, Uses, and Side‑Effects

Topical Steroid Selection Tool
This tool helps identify the most appropriate topical steroid for your condition based on:
- Location of the skin condition
- Severity of the condition
- Treatment duration
- Patient-specific factors
1. Where is the condition located?
2. How severe is the condition?
3. How long will treatment last?
4. Are there any special considerations?
Temovate alternatives comparison helps you see at a glance which prescription‑strength steroid might fit your skin condition, budget, and tolerance.
Quick Takeaways
- Temovate (clobetasol propionate) sits at the highest potency (Class I) for topical steroids.
- Halobetasol and betamethasone dipropionate are the closest rivals in strength.
- Fluocinonide offers a slightly lower potency (Class II) with a good safety record for short‑term use.
- Desonide and hydrocortisone are low‑potency options for sensitive areas like the face.
- Choosing the right steroid depends on condition severity, skin site, treatment duration, and patient history.
What Is Temovate?
When you see the name Temovate is the brand name for clobetasol propionate, a super‑potent (ClassI) topical corticosteroid used for psoriasis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin disorders. It comes as a cream, ointment, or scalp solution, typically delivering 0.05% clobetasol. Because it can thin the skin and suppress the immune response, doctors prescribe it for short bursts-usually two weeks or less-unless the patient is closely monitored.
Understanding Potency Classes
Topical steroids are grouped into seven potency classes in the UK, from ClassI (very high) down to ClassVII (very low). The classification hinges on the drug’s ability to cause vasoconstriction in the skin, which correlates with anti‑inflammatory power and risk of side‑effects. Higher‑potency steroids like Temovate are reserved for thick, resistant skin such as the palms, soles, or chronic plaques. Lower‑potency agents are safer for thin skin areas-face, neck, intertriginous zones.

Common Alternatives
Below are the most frequently prescribed alternatives, each with its own potency level and typical use case.
- Betamethasone dipropionate is a high‑potency (ClassII) steroid often chosen for thick plaques or scalp psoriasis.
- Halobetasol propionate is a super‑potent ClassI steroid similar to clobetasol but usually marketed as a 0.05% cream for body and scalp.
- Fluocinonide is a high‑potency (ClassII) agent used for eczema, psoriasis, and chronic dermatitis.
- Triamcinolone acetonide is a mid‑potency (ClassIII) cream suitable for moderate inflammatory conditions.
- Desonide is a low‑potency (ClassVI) steroid ideal for facial or intertriginous skin.
- Mometasone furoate is a potent (ClassII) ointment often prescribed for the body and scalp.
- Hydrocortisone is the lowest‑potency (ClassVII) over‑the‑counter steroid used for mild irritations.
Side‑Effect Profile Across Options
All topical steroids share a core set of potential adverse effects: skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia, and systemic absorption leading to HPA‑axis suppression. The likelihood rises with potency, treatment area, and duration. For example, a two‑week course of Temovate on the trunk carries a higher atrophy risk than a four‑week course of desonide on the face. Moisturizer co‑application and intermittent dosing (e.g., two days on, two days off) can mitigate many of these issues.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
Brand/Generic | Potency Class | Typical Strength | Best‑Fit Indications | Maximum Safe Duration (continuous) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Temovate (Clobetasol propionate) | I (Super‑high) | 0.05% | Thick plaques, palmoplantar psoriasis, resistant eczema | 2weeks (unless under specialist supervision) |
Halobetasol propionate | I | 0.05% | Scalp, body plaques, severe dermatitis | 2weeks |
Betamethasone dipropionate | II | 0.05% | Scalp psoriasis, thick eczema | 4weeks |
Fluocinonide | II | 0.05% | Moderate‑to‑severe dermatitis, localized psoriasis | 4weeks |
Mometasone furoate | II | 0.1% | Body and scalp inflammation, lichen planus | 4weeks |
Triamcinolone acetonide | III | 0.1% | Moderate eczema, dermatitis | 6weeks |
Desonide | VI | 0.05% | Facial skin, intertriginous areas, mild eczema | 8weeks |
Hydrocortisone | VII | 1% | Minor irritations, insect bites, mild dermatitis | 8-12weeks (OTC) |

How to Choose the Right Steroid
Think of the decision as a simple checklist:
- Severity of the lesion - Thick, hyperkeratotic plaques demand a ClassI or II steroid; fine erythema can be managed with ClassIII‑VI.
- Location on the body - Use the lowest potency for the face, groin, and skin folds. Reserve high potency for the trunk, limbs, or scalp.
- Duration of therapy - Plan a tapering schedule. Start with the strongest agent for 1-2weeks, then step down to a milder steroid for maintenance.
- Patient factors - Age (children are more sensitive), comorbidities (diabetes, liver disease), and previous steroid reactions should shape the choice.
- Cost and availability - Some brands (e.g., Halobetasol) may be pricier than generic betamethasone; insurance coverage varies.
When in doubt, ask the prescriber to start with a mid‑potency steroid like mometasone or fluocinonide and only escalate if the condition doesn't improve.
Practical Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Apply thinly - A pea‑sized amount per 2×2cm area is usually enough; over‑application raises side‑effect risk.
- Use occlusion sparingly - Covering the area with plastic film can boost absorption by up to 10×, which is useful for stubborn plaques but dangerous if left too long.
- Rotate moisturizers - Pair steroid therapy with an emollient (e.g., ceramide‑rich cream) to restore barrier function.
- Watch for rebound - Stopping a high‑potency steroid abruptly can cause flare‑ups. Tapering or switching to a lower‑potency steroid eases this.
- Monitor systemic signs - Unexplained weight gain, easy bruising, or high blood pressure may signal systemic absorption; seek medical advice.
Next Steps & Troubleshooting
If you’ve tried a mid‑potency steroid for two weeks without improvement, consider a short course of a ClassI agent like Temovate, but do it under dermatology supervision. Conversely, if you notice skin thinning after a week of a high‑potency cream, step down immediately to a lower‑potency option and add a barrier‑repair moisturizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Temovate on my face?
Generally no. The facial skin is thin and highly susceptible to atrophy. For facial eczema, a low‑potency steroid like desonide or a mid‑potency option used sparingly is preferred.
How long is it safe to stay on a high‑potency steroid?
For most patients, a continuous period of 2weeks is the upper limit for ClassI steroids. If longer treatment is needed, a dermatologist may schedule intermittent dosing or rotate to a lower‑potency product.
Is halobetasol cheaper than Temovate?
Price varies by pharmacy and insurance coverage. In the UK, both are prescription‑only and often cost a similar amount, but generic betamethasone dipropionate is usually less expensive than any ClassI product.
Can I combine a topical steroid with a vitamin D analog?
Yes, especially for psoriasis. Using a vitamin D analogue (e.g., calcipotriene) in the morning and a steroid at night can enhance clearance while limiting steroid exposure.
What signs indicate I should stop the cream?
Visible thinning of the skin, emergence of stretch marks, increased bruising, or systemic symptoms (e.g., fatigue, high blood pressure) warrant immediate discontinuation and medical review.
Rahul yadav
October 12, 2025 AT 06:14Wow, reading through this steroid showdown feels like watching a blockbuster showdown! 🌟 The way you broke down potency classes really lights up the confusion that haunts many of us with eczema or psoriasis. I can totally picture a patient trembling with relief when they finally see a clear table to guide their doctor. 🙏 Remember, the real hero is always the skin barrier – keep it hydrated, and the steroids will be your sidekick, not the villain. 🌈