A moderately potent topical corticosteroid
Alclometasone
A moderately potent steroid cream and ointment used in short courses to calm flares of eczema and other inflamed, itchy skin.
What is Alclometasone?
Alclometasone is a moderately potent topical corticosteroid applied to the skin as a cream or ointment. It calms the redness, itch and inflammation of eczema and similar skin conditions, and is used in short courses, applied thinly to the affected areas. Care is needed on the face and in skin folds, where steroids are absorbed more readily.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Alclometasone — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Alclometasone is a topical (skin) corticosteroid of moderate potency — stronger than mild steroids such as hydrocortisone but gentler than the potent ones. It is used to settle flares of inflamed, itchy skin conditions, particularly eczema and dermatitis, by reducing the skin's inflammatory response. It is a treatment for flares rather than something to use continuously.
How it works
Like other topical steroids, alclometasone damps down the inflammation in the skin — reducing the redness, swelling, itch and weeping of an eczema flare. It works locally where it is applied, and its moderate potency makes it a step up from mild steroids when those are not quite controlling a flare.
What it treats
Conditions Alclometasone is used for
Practical use
How to take Alclometasone
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only, gently rubbing it in until it disappears.
- Use the fingertip unit as a guide to how much to use for a given area of skin.
- Use it in short courses to control a flare, then step down or stop as advised.
- Keep using your moisturiser (emollient) regularly, leaving a short gap between applying it and the steroid.
- Wash your hands after applying, unless your hands are the area being treated.
- Use it sparingly on the face and in skin folds, and follow advice on use in children.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Alclometasone
Advantages
- Moderate potency steps up control when mild steroids are not enough for an eczema flare.
- Settles redness, itch and inflammation quickly when used correctly.
- Available as both cream and ointment to suit different skin (creams for moist or weepy areas, ointments for dry, thickened skin).
Disadvantages
- Long-term or excessive use can thin the skin, cause stretch marks or visible small blood vessels.
- Needs care on the face and in skin folds, where over-use can cause local side effects more easily.
- It controls flares but does not cure the underlying condition, so moisturisers and trigger avoidance remain essential.
Practical use
Good to know
Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only, using the 'fingertip unit' as a rough guide to how much covers a given area. Use it for short courses to bring a flare under control, then step down or stop as advised, and keep using moisturisers (emollients) alongside. Be especially sparing on the face, in skin folds (such as the groin or armpits) and on babies' and children's skin, where steroids are absorbed more and the skin is more delicate.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Do not apply to skin that is infected (for example with bacteria, a cold sore or fungus) unless this is also being treated.
- Avoid use on broken or weeping skin from infection, and avoid prolonged use on the face unless specifically advised.
- Use cautiously and as directed in children and in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Monitoring
- Whether the flare settles within the expected short course.
- Signs of skin thinning, stretch marks or local side effects with longer use.
- Any signs of skin infection that may need separate treatment.
Side effects
- Usually well tolerated; occasional mild burning, stinging or itching when first applied.
- With prolonged or heavy use: thinning of the skin, stretch marks, visible small blood vessels or changes in skin colour.
- Rarely, worsening of an unnoticed skin infection or, around the mouth, a rash (perioral dermatitis).
Key interactions
- Few important interactions, as little is absorbed when used correctly.
- Other creams should generally be applied at a different time, leaving a gap, so they do not dilute each other.
- Heavy use over large areas, under dressings, or on broken skin increases absorption.
Available as: Cream, and ointment.
Answers
Alclometasone: frequently asked questions
How much alclometasone should I use?
Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only, using the 'fingertip unit' as a guide — the amount squeezed onto an adult fingertip covers roughly an area the size of two adult palms.
Can I use it on my face?
Only use it on the face if specifically advised, and then sparingly and for a short time, because facial skin is thinner and absorbs steroid more readily.
Will it thin my skin?
Short, correct courses rarely cause problems. Skin thinning, stretch marks and visible small blood vessels are linked to prolonged or excessive use, especially on the face and in skin folds.
Should I keep using my moisturiser?
Yes — keep using your emollient regularly, as it is the foundation of eczema care. Leave a short gap between applying the moisturiser and the steroid.
What is the difference between the cream and the ointment?
Creams suit moist or weepy areas and are less greasy, while ointments are better for dry, thickened or scaly skin because they are more moisturising.
The wider class
About Topical corticosteroids
Alclometasone belongs to the topical corticosteroids class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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