Eumovate Ointment (Clobetasone 0.05%) for Eczema & Dermatitis

Eumovate contains clobetasone butyrate 0.05%, a moderately potent steroid on the UK scale. Eumovate Ointment is licensed for inflamed, itchy skin conditions that respond to steroids, including atopic eczema, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, photodermatitis, otitis externa, prurigo nodularis and insect bite reactions. It’s often used when hydrocortisone hasn’t been strong enough, or between courses of a stronger steroid.

For the ointment, yes: Eumovate Ointment is a prescription-only medicine. A different product, Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis Cream, is sold by pharmacies in small tubes for adults and children aged 12 and over, for up to 7 days. If you need the ointment, a larger tube or a longer course, you can get it after an online consultation.

UK steroids come in four strengths: mild (hydrocortisone 1%), moderate (clobetasone, Eumovate), potent (betamethasone, Betnovate) and very potent (clobetasol, Dermovate). Eumovate is one step up from hydrocortisone and one step down from Betnovate, so it’s used when a mild steroid isn’t enough but a potent one isn’t needed. See our steroid cream strengths guide.

Both contain the same amount of clobetasone and are the same strength. The ointment is greasy and suits dry, thick or scaly skin, and night-time use. The cream soaks in faster and suits moist or weepy patches, daytime use and areas you don’t want greasy. Your prescriber can suggest which suits your skin.

It’s a corticosteroid. Once absorbed into the skin, it switches off the chemical signals that cause inflammation, so redness, swelling and itch settle. It doesn’t cure eczema, which is why emollients are kept up after the flare clears.

Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only, once or twice a day, and rub it in gently. One fingertip unit (about 0.5g) covers an area the size of two adult palms. Wash your hands afterwards and leave about 30 minutes before applying an emollient.

Use it until the skin improves, then reduce how often you apply it and stop. The product information advises against using it every day for longer than 4 weeks, and to get the treatment reviewed if your skin hasn’t improved within 4 weeks.

Only for a short course, if your prescriber agrees, and never near the eyes. Facial skin is thin, so long use there can cause thinning, redness and rashes around the mouth, and steroids near the eyes can raise the risk of glaucoma and cataract. If facial eczema keeps coming back, see your GP.

Eumovate is licensed for children on a doctor’s advice, usually for no more than 7 days. Our online service is for adults aged 18 and over, so for a child please see your GP or pharmacist.

Side effects are uncommon with short courses. Very rarely, it can cause burning or itching where it’s applied, allergic reactions, skin thinning or changes in skin colour. Long use over large areas can lead to steroid being absorbed into the body. Report side effects to a prescriber or through the Yellow Card scheme.

It’s unlikely with short courses on the body. The risk rises with long daily use, large areas, thin skin such as the face and skin folds, and covering the area. Following the course length and stepping down as the skin improves keeps the risk low.

The product information says it should only be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding if the benefit outweighs the risk, and not on the breasts when breastfeeding. Our online service can’t supply it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, so please speak to your GP or midwife.

If your skin hasn’t improved within 4 weeks, stop and get it reviewed: you may need a stronger steroid such as Betnovate, or a different diagnosis. See a GP or call NHS 111 the same day if the skin looks infected (weeping, golden crusts, spreading redness) or you feel unwell, or if you have painful clustered blisters, which can be eczema herpeticum. Our eczema and dermatitis guide explains when to get help.