What is Eumovate Cream?

Eumovate Cream is a moderate-strength corticosteroid used to treat red, itchy, and inflamed skin. It contains clobetasone butyrate 0.05% as the active ingredient. The cream is lighter than the ointment and is best for skin that is moist, weeping, or less dry.

How does Eumovate Cream work?

Clobetasone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It works by calming the body’s immune response in the skin, which reduces redness, itching, swelling, and irritation.

When to consider Eumovate Cream

Eczema and dermatitis flare-ups
Allergic or irritant skin reactions
Itchy rashes caused by insect bites or stings
Localised psoriasis patches (but not widespread psoriasis unless advised by a doctor)

Who can use Eumovate Cream

Adults and children over 12 months, if recommended by a doctor or pharmacist
People whose symptoms have not improved with mild corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone

Who should not use Eumovate Cream

Infants under 12 months old
Anyone allergic to clobetasone or the cream’s ingredients
On untreated skin infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
On acne, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis
On broken skin, or near the eyes and genitals unless advised by a doctor

How to use Eumovate Cream

Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily.
Gently rub in until the cream disappears.
Use only on affected areas and for the shortest time possible.
Do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice.
Wash hands after applying, unless treating your hands.
Do not cover the skin with airtight dressings unless directed by a doctor.

Possible side effects

Most people tolerate Eumovate well. Possible side effects include:

Mild stinging, burning, or itching where the cream is applied
Skin thinning, stretch marks, or changes in skin colour with prolonged use
Acne-like reactions or excessive hair growth at the site
Worsening of skin infections if used inappropriately
Rarely, allergic reactions

Alternatives to Eumovate Cream

Hydrocortisone cream or ointment for milder flare-ups
Stronger corticosteroids for severe or resistant conditions (on prescription only)
Regular emollients and moisturisers to help prevent flare-ups

Can you buy Eumovate Cream over the counter?

Yes. In the UK, small tubes of Eumovate Cream (15 g) are available from pharmacies without a prescription for short-term use in eczema, dermatitis, or insect bites. Larger pack sizes or longer-term treatment require a prescription.

How to Use Eumovate Cream

Adults and children over 12 months
Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin once or twice daily.

Application
Gently rub the cream into the skin until it disappears. Use only on the affected areas.

Duration
Use for the shortest possible time, usually no more than 7 days without medical advice. If symptoms do not improve, seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Children under 12 months
Not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor.

Sensitive areas
Do not apply to the face, eyes, genitals, or broken skin unless specifically advised by a doctor.

Occlusion
Do not cover treated areas with airtight dressings or bandages unless your doctor tells you to, as this increases absorption and the risk of side effects.

Hands
Wash your hands after applying, unless you are treating the hands.

Active ingredient

Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% w/w

Inactive ingredients (excipients) in the cream

Glycerol
Cetostearyl alcohol
Arlacel 165 (macrogol cetostearyl ether and cetostearyl alcohol)
Liquid paraffin
White soft paraffin
Chlorocresol (preservative)
Sodium citrate
Citric acid monohydrate
Purified water

Inactive ingredients (excipients) in the ointment

Liquid paraffin
White soft paraffin

Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the full ingredient list — especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Common or mild side effects (usually short-term, local):

Stinging, burning, or itching where the cream is applied
Redness, irritation, or dryness of the skin

Less common side effects (more likely with prolonged or inappropriate use):

Thinning of the skin (atrophy)
Stretch marks (striae)
Dilated blood vessels on the skin surface (telangiectasia)
Excessive hair growth at the site (hypertrichosis)
Acne-like eruptions
Rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
Changes in skin pigmentation (lighter or darker patches)

Rare or serious side effects (mainly with long-term, high-dose use, or use under occlusion):

Worsening or spread of untreated skin infections

Allergic contact dermatitis
Secondary skin infection
Systemic absorption causing adrenal suppression, growth delay in children, or Cushing’s syndrome features (very rare, but possible if used extensively or under dressings)