Soltop Cream (Clobetasol)

Soltop Cream general information

What is Soltop Cream used for?

Soltop Cream 0.05% is a topical skin cream used to treat several moderate to severe skin and scalp conditions, such as dermatitis, eczema, moderate to severe psoriasis (a chronic autoimmune skin condition causing red, itchy, scaly patches of skin on the body), lichen planus (an inflammatory skin condition) and discoid lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disorder causing a recurring scaly rash).  Soltop Cream 0.5% helps relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.  

How does Soltop Cream work?

Soltop Cream contains the synthetic corticosteroid clobetasol, which is a high potency anti-inflammatory that is more potent than hydrocortisone.  Clobetasol in Soltop Cream 0.05% works by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are hormone-like substances involved in the inflammatory process.  Clobetasol in Soltop Cream also narrows and constricts causes blood vessels that have become dilated (widened) and leaky allowing other inflammatory cells into the skin to escalate the inflammatory response. The action of Clobetasol in Soltop Cream 0.05% reduces symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions particularly those that do not respond satisfactorily to less active steroids. 

What does Soltop Cream contain?

Soltop Cream contains the active ingredient clobetasol proprionate 0.05%, used to treat inflammatory skin conditions.  It also contains chlorocresol (0.1%) as a preservative in a cream base.

Treating dermatitis with Soltop Cream

Soltop Cream 0.05% contains clobetasol, a highly potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid that works by blocking the production of a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin, which are involved in the inflammatory process.  Inflammation occurs in several skin conditions including dermatitis and clobetasol in Soltop Cream 0.05% helps relieve symptoms of dermatitis, reducing itching, redness, dryness and soreness, which can become severe if untreated.

What is the difference between Soltop cream and Soltop Ointment?

Soltop cream can be easily rubbed into the skin without being greasy and is for skin that is not too dry.  Soltop ointment is better for dry scaly skin as it contains a mixture of oil and water that helps keep moisture in and preventing evaporation.   

What are the side effects of Soltop Cream?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Soltop Cream include burning, itching, irritation, cracking, fissuring and dryness at the site of application, also hypopigmentation (loss of skin pigment) and skin atrophy.  Long-term use of Soltop Cream may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently and this may slow down the growth rate in children.

When should Soltop Cream not be used?

You should not use Soltop Cream if you:

• are allergic to clobetasol or any ingredients in Soltop Cream
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have a viral infection of the skin, tuberculosis, acne rosacea (a chronic skin condition), perioral dermatitis (facial rash around the mouth), fungal skin infections and ulcerative conditions
• have damaged skin

How should Soltop Cream be used?

You should apply a thin film of Soltop Cream 0.05% to the affected area of skin two or three times daily by gently rubbing into the skin.  You should always wash your hands after applying the medication and make sure you don’t get any in your eyes, nose or mouth.  Soltop Cream is intended for short term use and should not be used for more than 2 weeks.  If there is no improvement in symptoms within 2 weeks, you should follow you doctors recommendations.

How long should you use Soltop Cream?

Soltop Cream is intended for short term use and should not be used for more than 2 weeks.  If there is no improvement in symptoms within 2 weeks, you should follow you doctors recommendations.

Missed dose of Soltop Cream

If you miss a dose of Soltop Cream apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Soltop Cream be stored?

You should store your Soltop Cream below 25°C in a cool dry place.