Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis Cream 0.05%

Eczema is a common skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, red and irritated skin. Dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by contact with irritants or allergens, such as soaps, detergents, disinfectants, nickel or certain skincare products.

During a flare-up, eczema or dermatitis can cause:

• Dry skin patches
• Redness
• Itching
• Inflammation or swelling
• Cracked or sore skin

Yes. Eumovate Cream is a topical steroid (corticosteroid). The active ingredient, clobetasone butyrate 0.05%, is classed as a moderately potent corticosteroid.

Topical corticosteroids are grouped into four potency levels: mild, moderately potent, potent and very potent. Eumovate sits in the second category (moderately potent). It is generally stronger than mild steroids such as hydrocortisone, but less strong than potent steroids such as betamethasone valerate (sold as Betnovate) or very potent steroids such as clobetasol propionate (Dermovate).

Most patients start to see an improvement in their eczema or dermatitis symptoms within a few days of applying Eumovate Cream as directed. The exact time can vary depending on the severity of the flare-up, the area of skin affected and how consistently the cream is applied.

Eumovate Cream should not be used for more than 7 days at a time. If your skin has not improved within a week, or if symptoms become worse, stop using the cream and speak to your GP.

Always read the patient information leaflet before use.

To apply Eumovate Cream:

• Wash and dry your hands
• Squeeze a small amount of cream onto the tip of your index finger
• As a guide, half a fingertip unit (the amount squeezed from the crease to halfway up your fingertip) covers an area of skin roughly the size of the palm of your hand
• Gently rub the cream into the affected area once or twice a day
• Wash your hands again afterwards, unless you are treating your hands

Use the cream for the shortest time needed to relieve your symptoms, and do not use the cream for longer than 7 days at a time.

If you are also using an emollient (moisturiser), make sure to leave a 30-minute gap after applying Eumovate Cream.

Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis Cream is licensed for use in adults and children aged 12 years and over when sold as a Pharmacy (P) medicine. It should not be used in children under 12 years unless specifically advised by your GP.

No. Eumovate Cream should not be applied to the face unless specifically directed by your GP. The skin on the face is thinner and more delicate than the skin elsewhere on the body, and using a moderately potent steroid like Eumovate in this area without medical supervision can increase the risk of side effects, including skin thinning and changes in skin colour.

If you have a flare-up of eczema or dermatitis on your face, speak to your GP about a more suitable treatment.

No. Eumovate Cream should not be used on the ano-genital area or groin. The skin in these areas is thinner and absorbs steroids more readily, increasing the risk of side effects such as skin thinning. Eumovate is also not suitable for use on broken or infected skin.

If you have a skin condition affecting these areas, speak to your GP for advice on a suitable treatment.

Yes. Eumovate Eczema & Dermatitis 0.05% Cream is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK in the 15g pack size, meaning it can be purchased over the counter from a pharmacy after consulting a pharmacist or from a UK-registered online pharmacy.

Larger Eumovate Cream pack sizes (30g and 100g) and the ointment formulations of Eumovate are classified as Prescription Only Medicines (POM) and are only available with a valid prescription.

Eumovate, Hydrocortisone and Betnovate are all topical steroids used to treat skin inflammation, but they differ in potency.

• Hydrocortisone (typically 0.5% or 1% over the counter) is classed as a mild topical steroid
• Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%) is classed as a moderately potent topical steroid
• Betnovate (betamethasone valerate 0.1%) is classed as a potent topical steroid

This means Eumovate is generally stronger than hydrocortisone, but less potent than Betnovate. Higher potency steroids can sometimes be prescribed for thicker or more severe areas of inflamed skin, while milder steroids are typically used on more sensitive areas.

The choice between these treatments depends on the type, severity and location of your skin condition. Your GP can advise on the most suitable option for you.

Both Eumovate Cream and Eumovate Ointment contain clobetasone butyrate 0.05%, but their availability and licensed uses differ depending on the product and pack size. The main difference is in the base formulation.

Eumovate Cream has a water-based formula that is light and easy to spread on the skin, making it suitable for moist or weeping areas of skin. It is often preferred for daytime use as it absorbs quickly and feels less greasy.

Eumovate Ointment has a paraffin-based formula that creates a thicker, occlusive barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture. It can feel greasier on the skin and may be better suited to night-time use or dry, scaly patches of skin.

The 15g cream is available as a Pharmacy medicine in the UK, while the ointment formulations are classified as Prescription Only Medicines.

The active ingredient in Eumovate Cream is clobetasone butyrate at a concentration of 0.05% w/w. The other ingredients are glycerol, glycerol monostearate, cetostearyl alcohol, beeswax substitute 6621, arlacel 165, dimeticone 20, chlorocresol, sodium citrate, citric acid monohydrate and purified water.

Eumovate Cream contains chlorocresol, which can cause allergic reactions in a small number of users, and cetostearyl alcohol, which can cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis. If you have a known allergy to clobetasone butyrate or any of the other ingredients listed above, do not use Eumovate Cream.

Do not use Eumovate Cream if you are allergic to clobetasone butyrate, cetostearyl alcohol or any of the other listed ingredients.

Eumovate Cream should not be used:

• On itchy skin that is not red
• On cuts, open wounds or broken skin
• On infected skin (for example, cold sores, herpes, chickenpox, impetigo, athlete's foot, ringworm or thrush)
• On acne or rosacea
• To treat eczema around a leg ulcer
• In children under 12 years, unless advised by a GP
• On the face, groin, genital area or between the toes
• Over large areas of skin
• Under bandages or dressings

Speak to your GP before using Eumovate Cream if you have psoriasis, acne or seborrhoeic dermatitis, or if you have already used the cream on the same area twice before.

Eumovate Cream can interact with some medicines. Speak to your GP before using Eumovate Cream if you are taking any of the following:

• Other corticosteroid medicines, including eczema creams, asthma inhalers, tablets, injections, nasal sprays, eye drops or nose drops
• Ritonavir (used to treat HIV)
• Itraconazole (used to treat fungal infections)

Avoid getting Eumovate Cream in your eyes. Contact your GP if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances during use.

Like all medicines, Eumovate Cream can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Some people may notice mild burning, stinging or itching for a short time after applying Eumovate Cream. This usually settles after a few days of treatment.

Stop using Eumovate and seek medical advice if you notice signs of infection (symptoms can include pus, weeping, increasing swelling, tenderness, throbbing pain, warmth, or redness that is spreading), or if your rash gets worse during treatment.

Seek urgent medical help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread rash.

Using more cream than recommended, applying it over large areas, using it under dressings, or using it for longer than advised can increase the risk of side effects such as skin thinning, changes in skin colour and increased hair growth. In children, additional symptoms can include weight gain, rounding of the face or slowed growth.

Stopping Eumovate after prolonged use may cause a steroid withdrawal reaction, with symptoms such as redness extending beyond the treated area, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin or oozing open sores. Seek medical advice if this occurs.

If you accidentally apply slightly too much once, this is unlikely to cause harm, but try to use the fingertip unit guide next time. Do not use more than recommended, apply it over large areas, cover it with dressings, or use it for longer than 7 days, as this can increase the risk of side effects. If you accidentally swallow Eumovate Cream or are worried you have used too much, speak to your GP as soon as possible.

If you forget to apply Eumovate Cream, apply it when you remember. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed application. Continue using the cream once or twice daily as directed, and do not use it for longer than 7 days without speaking to your GP.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, ask your GP for advice before using Eumovate Cream.

Store Eumovate Cream below 25°C and keep it out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use the cream after the expiry date shown on the packaging.