Topical Steroid Comparison Tool
Recommended Steroid Based on Your Needs
Key Features
Potential Side Effects
Steroid Comparison Table
| Brand (Generic) | Potency (Class) | Typical Use | Prescription (UK) | Approx. Cost (30g) | Most Noted Side-Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temovate (clobetasol propionate) | Class-I | Severe psoriasis, chronic eczema, lichen planus | Prescription only | £12-£15 | Skin atrophy, telangiectasia, HPA-axis suppression |
| Betnovate (betamethasone dipropionate) | Class-II | Moderate-to-severe eczema, plaque psoriasis | Prescription only | £8-£10 | Mild skin thinning, burning sensation |
| Ultracal (halobetasol propionate) | Class-I (same as clobetasol) | Very thick plaques, scalp psoriasis | Prescription only | £13-£16 | Similar to clobetasol – higher risk of atrophy |
| Elocom (mometasone furoate) | Class-II | Inflammatory skin conditions on face and folds | Prescription only | £9-£12 | Less skin thinning, occasional itching |
| Locoid (hydrocortisone butyrate) | Class-III | Mild-moderate eczema, dermatitis | Prescription (sometimes OTC in low strength) | £5-£7 | Very low atrophy risk, possible acneiform rash |
Quick Takeaways
- Temovate (clobetasol propionate) is a class‑I, ultra‑high‑potency topical steroid used for severe skin conditions.
- Key alternatives include betamethasone dipropionate, halobetasol, mometasone furoate and fluocinonide, each with slightly different potency and safety profiles.
- Potency, prescription requirement, cost and side‑effect risk are the main decision factors.
- For short‑term flare‑ups, a lower‑potency steroid may be safer, while chronic, resistant disease often needs Temovate or another class‑I option.
- Always follow a dermatologist’s guidance; misuse can lead to skin atrophy or systemic effects.
What Is Temovate?
When doctors prescribe a super‑strong cream, Temovate (generic name clobetasol propionate) is one of the most common choices. It belongs to the class‑I (ultra‑high‑potency) group of topical corticosteroids, meaning it delivers a very powerful anti‑inflammatory punch in a small amount of cream or ointment.
The drug was first launched in the UK in the early 2000s and quickly became the go‑to for stubborn psoriasis, severe eczema, lichen planus and other recalcitrant dermatoses. Its mechanism is straightforward: it binds to glucocorticoid receptors in skin cells, suppressing cytokine release and reducing the immune response that fuels inflammation.
How Does Temovate Compare to Other High‑Potency Steroids?
Many patients wonder whether a cheaper or over‑the‑counter product could do the job. The short answer is: it depends on three things-potency, formulation, and the condition being treated. Below we break down the most relevant alternatives.
Comparison Criteria
- Potency class: Determines how quickly the drug can calm inflammation. Class‑I is the strongest, followed by Class‑II, III, etc.
- Typical indications: Some steroids are better for thick plaques (psoriasis) while others suit delicate facial skin.
- Prescription status (UK): Whether you need a NHS prescription or can buy it from a pharmacy.
- Cost per tube: Approximate retail price for a 30g tube in 2025.
- Common side‑effects: Skin thinning, telangiectasia, adrenal suppression, etc.
Side‑By‑Side Comparison
| Brand (Generic) | Potency (Class) | Typical Use | Prescription (UK) | Approx. Cost (30g) | Most Noted Side‑Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temovate (clobetasol propionate) | Class‑I | Severe psoriasis, chronic eczema, lichen planus | Prescription only | £12‑£15 | Skin atrophy, telangiectasia, HPA‑axis suppression |
| Betnovate (betamethasone dipropionate) | Class‑II | Moderate‑to‑severe eczema, plaque psoriasis | Prescription only | £8‑£10 | Mild skin thinning, burning sensation |
| Ultracal (halobetasol propionate) | Class‑I (same as clobetasol) | Very thick plaques, scalp psoriasis | Prescription only | £13‑£16 | Similar to clobetasol - higher risk of atrophy |
| Elocom (mometasone furoate) | Class‑II | Inflammatory skin conditions on face and folds | Prescription only | £9‑£12 | Less skin thinning, occasional itching |
| Locoid (hydrocortisone butyrate) | Class‑III | Mild‑moderate eczema, dermatitis | Prescription (sometimes OTC in low strength) | £5‑£7 | Very low atrophy risk, possible acneiform rash |
Deep Dive into Each Alternative
Betamethasone Dipropionate (Betnovate)
Betamethasone sits one potency level below clobetasol. It’s still strong enough for most plaques but tends to cause less skin thinning when used for short bursts (up to 2 weeks). The cream base absorbs well, making it a favorite for limb‑area psoriasis.
Halobetasol Propionate (Ultracal)
Halobetasol shares the same class‑I rating as Temovate, but its molecular structure offers slightly better scalp penetration. Dermatologists often prescribe it for scalp psoriasis that resists other treatments.
Mometasone Furoate (Elocom)
This class‑II steroid balances potency and safety, making it the go‑to for facial or intertriginous (skin‑fold) areas where you want to avoid atrophy. It’s less irritating than clobetasol, but you may need a longer treatment course.
Fluocinonide (Lidex)
Fluocinonide is a class‑II agent with a slightly higher potencies than mometasone but still below clobetasol. It’s commonly used for stubborn eczema on the hands or feet. Side‑effects are similar to Betnovate but with a marginally higher risk of telangiectasia.
Hydrocortisone Butyrate (Locoid)
For patients wary of high‑potency steroids, Locoid offers a gentler approach. It’s suitable for chronic, low‑grade eczema and can be used longer without major systemic concerns. The trade‑off is slower symptom control.
Choosing the Right Steroid for Your Situation
Here’s a quick decision tree you can discuss with your clinician:
- If you have severe, plaque‑type psoriasis that hasn’t responded to medium‑potency creams, start with a class‑I option like Temovate or Ultracal (use for ≤2weeks).
- If the area is delicate (face, neck, skin folds), skip class‑I and pick a class‑II steroid such as Elocom or Betnovate.
- For chronic, mild‑to‑moderate eczema where you need long‑term control, consider Locoid or a low‑strength hydrocortisone.
- When cost is a major factor, Betnovate and Elocom are typically cheaper than Temovate while still offering strong relief.
- Always taper off after the prescribed period; abrupt discontinuation can trigger rebound flares.
Practical Tips for Safe Use
- Apply a thin layer-no more than a fingertip unit per 2×2cm area.
- Limit use to 2‑4weeks for class‑I steroids unless closely monitored.
- Avoid occlusive dressings unless advised; they can increase absorption dramatically.
- Watch for signs of systemic absorption: unusual fatigue, weight loss, or easy bruising.
- Schedule a follow‑up with your dermatologist to assess skin thinning or HPA‑axis suppression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Temovate on my face?
Generally no. The facial skin is thin and highly prone to atrophy. Dermatologists usually recommend a lower‑potency steroid such as mometasone or a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory cream for facial lesions.
How long is it safe to stay on Temovate?
For most adults, a continuous course should not exceed 2weeks without a break. If longer treatment is needed, your doctor may rotate to a lower‑potency steroid or monitor hormone levels.
Is there an over‑the‑counter alternative to Temovate?
The strongest OTC options in the UK are typically 1% hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid) or 0.5% betamethasone valerate creams, which are class‑III. They won’t match the potency of clobetasol but can help mild flare‑ups.
What should I do if my skin thins under Temovate?
Stop using the cream immediately and contact your dermatologist. They may prescribe a steroid‑free recovery regimen, such as moisturizers with ceramides or a low‑potency corticosteroid on a tapering schedule.
Which alternative is cheapest for a 30g tube?
Locoid (hydrocortisone butyrate) typically costs between £5‑£7, making it the most budget‑friendly option among the five compared.
Choosing the right steroid is a balance of potency, safety, cost and the specific skin condition you’re fighting. Temovate remains a powerful weapon for severe disease, but a host of alternatives can offer similar relief with fewer risks for milder cases. Always discuss your options with a qualified healthcare professional to avoid unwanted side‑effects and get the fastest, safest path to clear skin.
Comments
Steve Batancs
10/Oct/2025The pharmacologic profile of clobetasol propionate mandates its use under strict medical supervision, as its class‑I potency surpasses that of most topical corticosteroids and carries a substantive risk of systemic absorption.
Hariom Godhani
10/Oct/2025When a patient disregards the sanctity of prescribed regimens and slathers Temovate indiscriminately, they betray the very trust placed in their dermatologist, inviting a cascade of irreversible skin atrophy that mirrors neglect of civic duty; such recklessness is a moral failing that reflects a broader disdain for expertise. The potency of this ultra‑high‑class steroid is not a playground toy but a surgical instrument, demanding reverence and disciplined application. Ignoring the two‑week limitation is tantamount to self‑inflicted harm, a tragedy that could have been averted with modest restraint. Moreover, the systemic consequences, including HPA‑axis suppression, echo the perils of unchecked authority, reminding us that power-even in a tube-must be wielded responsibly. In the grand tapestry of dermatologic care, Temovate occupies a singular, revered niche, and to misuse it is to stitch discord into one’s own epidermis.
Jackie Berry
10/Oct/2025From a holistic view, balancing efficacy with safety is key; many patients find that stepping down to a medium‑potency steroid after an initial course of Temovate provides enough control while reducing the chance of thinning. It’s also worth noting that the cost differences, though modest, can add up over multiple prescriptions, so discussing generic options with your clinician can ease the financial burden. Ultimately, the goal is clear skin without compromising long‑term skin health, and a collaborative approach does just that.
Mikayla May
10/Oct/2025Pro tip: use a fingertip unit to gauge the amount-roughly the size of the tip of your index finger covers about 2 cm². Spread a thin layer, avoid occlusion unless your doc says otherwise, and set a reminder to stop after 2 weeks to keep your skin happy.
Jimmy the Exploder
10/Oct/2025Temovate is strong dont overdo it
Robert Jackson
10/Oct/2025It is incumbent upon the prescribing physician to delineate unequivocally the limits of clobetasol utilization, for any deviation constitutes a breach of clinical protocol and exposes the patient to iatrogenic sequelae that are both preventable and indefensible.
Robert Hunter
10/Oct/2025While I appreciate the emphasis on supervision, it's also vital to recognize that patient education can empower individuals to adhere to those guidelines without feeling patronized.