Dermovate
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Reviewed on January 25, 2024. by
Next review due on
January 25, 2026.

Product info

  • Dermovate is a strong topical steroid that reduces itching and flattens keloid scars.

  • To order Dermovate online, answer a few questions about your health and get it delivered to your doorstep the next working day.

Dermovate Clobetasol propionate

What is Dermovate?

Dermovate is a strong topical steroid that can help reduce the appearance of keloid scars.
It helps alleviate itching and can flatten freshly healed wounds. Steroids are used as an off-label treatment for keloids, but this doesn’t mean they’re not safe or effective. It’s just not mentioned in the patient leaflet.

Keloid scars are a result of abnormal wound healing. In normal wound healing, collagen is an essential protein that helps build your body tissues. It helps create the structure to form the new skin and hold everything together (kind of like the scaffolding around a building). However, in keloid formation, there’s unregulated collagen production. This causes excess growth of scar tissues, making the wound heal outside the site of injury.[1] This results in a large scar that can be painful and tender.

How does Dermovate work for keloid scars?

Dermovate contains clobetasol propionate, a potent steroid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the key component in keloid formation, so reducing it can flatten keloid scars. It also reduces collagen production, which is unregulated in keloid formation. This can prevent excess growth and also flatten scars.[2] Additionally, steroids have anti-itch properties and help lower discomfort and pain associated with keloids.

What forms of Dermovate are available?

There are two forms of Dermovate available for treating keloid scars: a cream and an ointment. Both contain the same active ingredient at the same concentration, the main differences are the consistency and how deep they penetrate your skin. The cream is thinner and runnier than the ointment. Ointments also absorb more deeply into your skin, making them stronger than creams. [3]

Treated trusted sources:

  1. McGinty S, Siddiqui WJ. Keloid. [Updated 2023 July 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan.
  2. Le, Quoc-Vu & Wen, Su-Ying & Chen, Chih-Jung & Huang, Chih-Yang & Kuo, Wei-Wen. (2022). Reversion of glucocorticoid-induced senescence and collagen synthesis decrease by LY294002 is mediated through p38 in skin. International Journal of Biological Sciences.
  3. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Eczema: Steroids and other topical medications. 2017 Feb 23.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Dermovate Clobetasol propionate

How to use Dermovate for keloids

To use Dermovate, follow the instructions below:

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Apply a thin layer of ointment or cream to the affected area.
  3. Gently rub it into your skin.
  4. If your hands aren’t affected, give them another wash.
  5. If you’re also using an emollient, allow the steroid to dry before applying it.

Your clinician will let you know how long and often to use it depending on your symptoms. But, as a general rule of thumb, you won’t use it for longer than four weeks.

If you want to stop using Dermovate, let your clinician know and they’ll gradually reduce your dose to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Dermovate?

If you accidentally apply too much or for too long, talk to your doctor for medical advice as you might get some side effects.

If you forget to apply your dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and carry on with your normal schedule.

How long does Dermovate take to work?

Depending on the thickness and inflammation of your keloid scar, the time it takes to absorb into your skin will differ.

But regardless, treating keloid scars can take a while. In some cases it can take months or even years, but usually you’ll only use Dermovate for four weeks.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Dermovate Clobetasol propionate

Dermovate isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when using it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.

Dermovate Clobetasol propionate

FAQ: Dermovate

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is Dermovate different from other treatments for keloid scars?

Answer:
There are two main at-home treatments for keloid scars: steroids and silicone-based treatments. Topical steroids are one of the first treatments your clinician will recommend. They come in many strengths and are available as a cream or ointment. For keloids, you’ll typically use a potent topical steroid, like Dermovate or Elocon.

Whereas silicon-based drugs, like Dermatix, tend to come as a gel or in sheets. Silicone can help flatten scars, soften your skin and regulate collagen production.

How well does Dermovate work for keloids?

Answer:
A study looked at the effectiveness of two different steroids, topical clobetasol propionate (the active ingredient in Dermovate) and IL triamcinolone, an injectable steroid. The study consisted of 17 patients, each with two keloid scars that were treated with different steroids, and lasted 12 weeks.

By the end of the treatment, the results showed both were effective at improving the keloid scars. Clobetasol propionate was better at reducing discolouration, whereas IL triamcinolone was better at reducing scar thickness. However, when researchers asked the patients what they preferred, the majority (53%) said clobetasol. This could be because IL triamcinolone had more side effects—100% mentioned pain and 70.6% mentioned tissue necrosis (when the tissue on your skin dies), compared to clobetasol propionate, which had fewer and less serious side effects, like redness and itching.[1]

What are the side effects of Dermovate?

Answer:
As with all medicines, Dermovate can cause side effects for some people. These include pain, burning, itching, and irritation on the treated area. You might also get thinning skin and notice your blood vessels become more visible. Some people may experience other side effects, but these are rare and usually only occur if you misuse it or use it for too long. For more information, check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

Why should I buy Dermovate online with Treated?

Answer:
Treating keloids can be a long and frustrating process. But we make it a little easier by allowing you to tell us what medicine you prefer and delivering it right to your door. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your health and choose from a list of personalised treatments.

We also provide tailored aftercare. This means that, both during and after your treatment, you’ll have full access to our clinicians. So, if you have any questions or find your treatment isn't working well for you, just give them a message online.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. Nor, N.M., Ismail, R., Jamil, A. et al. A Randomised, Single-Blind Trial of Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Cream Under Silicone Dressing Occlusion Versus Intralesional Triamcinolone for Treatment of Keloid. Clin Drug Investig 37, 295–301 (2017).

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It was a very simple, easy and quick process with Treated. All the questions were easy to answer and being able to send in a photo was (nerve racking) but great as they could see what was going on. They provided so many options but also a specific one after the survey so it felt like I was getting specialist treatment. Would definitely recommend-SO much easier and quicker than going to an actual clinic.

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I took the medicine and my skin spots disappeared.

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Further reading

Take a look at our helpful health guides related to keloid scars.

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