Cloderm Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Cloderm (clocortolone pivalate 0.1% cream) has a strong clinical safety record — with over 2,500 patients studied in controlled trials and no systemic adverse reactions observed when used as directed. But like all topical corticosteroids, it does come with potential side effects, both at the application site and, with prolonged or improper use, systemically. Here's what you need to know.

Common Side Effects of Cloderm

The most common side effects are local reactions at the application site. These are generally mild and often resolve with continued use or when treatment is stopped. They include:

• Burning or stinging: A brief burning sensation when first applying the cream, especially to inflamed skin, is normal and usually fades quickly.
• Itching: Mild itching at the treatment site is infrequently reported and usually transient.
• Dryness: Some mild skin dryness can occur at the treated area. Cloderm's emollient cream base minimizes this compared to less moisturizing formulations.
• Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles (small bumps/pimples at the treatment site) can occur, particularly with occlusive dressings.
• Skin irritation: Redness or irritation at the application site.

Less Common Side Effects

These side effects are infrequent but have been reported with topical corticosteroids generally, particularly with prolonged use, large application areas, or occlusive dressings:

• Hypertrichosis (increased hair growth at the treated area)
• Acneiform eruptions (acne-like breakouts at the application site)
• Hypopigmentation (skin lightening at the treated area)
• Perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth, particularly with facial application)
• Skin maceration (soft, waterlogged skin under occlusive bandaging)
• Secondary skin infections (bacterial or fungal) if immune defenses are reduced locally
• Skin atrophy (thinning of skin) with long-term use
• Striae (stretch mark-like lines) with prolonged use in skin folds

Serious Side Effects: When Cloderm Is Absorbed Systemically

Significant systemic absorption of Cloderm is uncommon when used as directed, but can occur with large amounts applied to large body surface areas, prolonged use, or occlusive dressings. Signs of systemic absorption include:

• HPA axis suppression: The adrenal glands may produce less cortisol. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and an inability to respond normally to physical stress. This is generally reversible when the medication is stopped.
• Cushing's syndrome: With prolonged excessive use, symptoms include weight gain in the face and upper body, increased facial hair, stretch marks, easy bruising, and high blood sugar.
• Hyperglycemia: Elevated blood sugar, especially relevant for patients with diabetes.

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

Stop using Cloderm and call your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Significant worsening of your skin condition after starting Cloderm
• Signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, pus, swelling, fever)
• Skin thinning, unusual bruising, or new stretch marks at the treated area
• Signs of systemic absorption: unexplained weight gain, increased facial hair, fatigue, high blood sugar
• Any allergic reaction: hives, rash spreading beyond the treated area, swelling, trouble breathing

Why Cloderm Has a Lower Side Effect Risk Than Many Alternatives

Cloderm's unique molecular structure — with chlorine at C-6 and fluorine at C-9, along with methylation at C-16 and esterification at C-21 — gives it a mid-potency profile while maintaining a favorable side effect record. Clinical trials in over 2,500 patients found a low rate of adverse events, and no HPA axis suppression was observed in a 21-day study with occlusive dressings. Importantly, it's formulated without lanolin, propylene glycol, or added fragrance — reducing allergic contact dermatitis risk compared to many other topical steroids.

To learn more about what medications and substances can interact with Cloderm, read our guide on Cloderm drug interactions.