Can halobetasol be used on the face / for acne?
Halobetasol should not be used on the face or for acne because it is a super-high potency topical corticosteroid. The skin on the face is quite thin compared with the skin on other areas of the body and using halobetasol on the face can increase the risk of acne and other side effects such as:
- Dryness
- Irritation
- Itching
- Redness
- Red or purple blotches underneath the skin
- Skin discoloration or thinning
- Small red or white bumps or a rash around the mouth
- Unwanted hair growth.
Halobetasol should also not be used on the scalp, groin, or axillae (armpit).
Halobetasol is usually prescribed to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Using more than 50 gram per week of halobetasol or using it for more than two consecutive weeks is not recommended because even topical use has the potential to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can upset the levels of naturally occurring cortisol in your body. Halobetasol should not be used in children under the age of 12.
References
Halobetasol Updated 10/2020. QUAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS LLC https://www.drugclasses.com/pro/halobetasol.html
Read next
Halobetasol vs. clobetasol - How do they compare?
Halobetasol and clobetasol are both classified as super high-potency or high-potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) creams used on the skin. They are both FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis and skin conditions that are responsive to topical corticosteroids, such as dermatitis and eczema (atopic dermatitis). They lessen skin redness and pain, itching, dryness and scaling. Continue reading
Halobetasol vs triamcinolone: which is better?
Which topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) product is best for you depends upon what skin condition you have, your symptoms and where it is located on your body. Other selection factors may include availability, cost and if the medicine is covered by your insurance. After examination, your doctor will be able to determine which topical steroid is best to treat your skin condition. Continue reading
Can halobetasol be used on the scalp?
Halobetasol should not be used on the scalp, face, groin or armpit, although it is used on the skin in other areas of the body. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Halobetasol Information for Consumers
- Halobetasol prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Halobetasol (detailed)
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