Eumovate Cream (100g)

Eumovate cream/ointment uses

Eumovate cream and ointment are easy to apply, and can be used to treat inflamed skin and skin rash arising from several conditions, including eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Its active ingredient is clobetasone butyrate, a moderately potent corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medicines. Skin becomes inflamed when the body releases inflammatory chemicals in response to an allergen or irritation. These chemicals make blood vessels widen, causing the skin to swell and become itchy and painful. Corticosteroids prevent this by inhibiting cells from releasing large amounts of these substances.

Note: Eumovate cream should not be used on:

• Broken skin
• Open wounds
• Insect bites
• Acne, spots or rosacea
• Bacterial infections (impetigo)
• Fungal infections (thrush)

If Eumovate is applied to excess for a long period of time, or to spots where the skin is thinner (such as the face, eyelids, lips and scalp), this can make the user more susceptible to side effects like skin thinning, stretch marks or hair growth. For the most part, these side effects are still quite rare. Creams like Eumovate wouldn’t be recommended for conditions like alopecia. Consult the leaflet for full details.

Eumovate vs. Betnovate

It’s important to be aware that not all steroid creams are the same – their potency can vary considerably from brand to brand. Betnovate cream is five times more potent than Eumovate – and being stronger, is more likely to produce side effects. Betnovate is too strong to use on the face and neck where the skin is more sensitive, whereas Eumovate may be more appropriate.

As to which option is ‘best’, it’s different for everyone. Your doctor will decide which is the best option for you when you are first diagnosed with your skin condition. Betnovate may be prescribed if your condition is more severe and other steroid creams haven’t been effective. However, as your condition improves, you might be advised to switch to a more mild alternative, such as Eumovate or hydrocortisone cream.

Eumovate cream for eczema

Eumovate cream contains clobetasone butyrate – a moderately potent anti-inflammatory steroid. The active ingredient works by preventing the release of inflammatory substances inside the skin cells, reducing dryness, redness, and itchiness. Eumovate cream also has moisturising properties to help keep skin smooth and flake-free.

However, it is a short-term solution, as using corticosteroids on the skin continuously for more than a few weeks can cause skin thinning and even permanent damage. It’s advised to use Eumovate for eczema for no more than 7 days, at around the same time every day. In addition, we also advise people with eczema or dermatitis to use emollient skin products, such as Dermol Shower Emollient, to help improve the condition on a longer term basis.

Eumovate benefits

With the use of any medicine or topical cream, there are always risks and benefits involved. Luckily, Eumovate cream is generally very well tolerated, and side effects are rare. Patients are able to relieve the itching and redness associated with eczema in a relatively short amount of time. When the cream is prescribed, our pharmacists will consider the risks and weigh them against the benefits – if you are pregnant then this would be a factor, for example.

Eumovate can be applied in conjunction with other moisturisers, though it’s best to wait around half an hour between applications to let the Eumovate cream sink in. Always use the minimum quantity prescribed, for the minimum duration advised by your doctor.

Eumovate and pregnancy

Eumovate ointment shouldn’t be used while pregnant or breastfeeding to treat eczema, unless discussed and approved by your doctor. Even so, it shouldn’t be used on large areas of skin or for a long period. Some studies suggest that corticosteroids applied to the skin during pregnancy may cause birth defects.

Non-prescription eczema treatment alternatives

• Moisturisers and emollients
• Bath and shower gels
• Cotton gloves (to keep from scratching)
• Antihistamine tablets (to ease the itching)

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

This medicine is unsuitable for you if you are allergic to any of the ointment’s ingredients.

Eumovate can cause the following conditions to worsen:

• Acne
• Infected skin
• Rosacea (a flushing of the skin around the nose)
• Skin which is itchy but not inflamed

Do not use this medicine for inflamed skin around the genitals or anus unless specifically advised to do so.

Consult your GP if you:

• Have a history of allergic reactions to steroid medicines
• Are applying Eumovate under an airtight dressing
• Are using Eumovate on the face, especially near the eyes
• Are applying Eumovate to broken skin or skin folds
• Have psoriasis
• Are using Eumovate on a chronic leg ulcer

Inform your GP or pharmacist if you are currently taking itraconazole or ritonavir.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Apply a thin, even layer of Eumovate to the affected skin. You will be advised to do this either once or twice each day. Always follow your prescription exactly.

If you have been using airtight dressings on the inflamed skin, clean the affected area before using the ointment, and apply a new dressing. Remember to wash your hands after each application.

Eumovate can be used on children’s eczema, but should not be used for a stretch of more than 7 days.

You may be using other topical medicines or moisturisers alongside Eumovate. If this is the case, you are advised to wait at least 30 minutes between applications. This will prevent either medicine from becoming diluted.

The active ingredient contained in Eumovate is:

Clobetasone butyrate

Eumovate also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Glycerol, glycerol monostearate, cetostearyl alcohol, beeswax substitute 6621, arlacel 165, dimeticone 20, chlorocresol, sodium citrate, citric acid, purified water

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take Eumovate, however if you do they may include:

An itching or burning sensation on the affected area, increased hair growth, discoloured skin, weight gain, bone weakness, cataract or glaucoma, elevated blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.