Psoriasis — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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EasyDermatopharmacologyPsoriasisSCE Dermatology

A 42-year-old woman with psoriasis has been prescribed a topical corticosteroid. She asks which potency class Clobetasol propionate 0.05% belongs to. What is the correct classification?

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Correct answer: C — Very potent (superpotent)

Clobetasol propionate 0.05% is classified as a very potent (Group IV in UK/BAD system, superpotent in US classification) topical corticosteroid. The UK potency ladder is: mild (Hydrocortisone 1%), moderate (Clobetasone butyrate 0.05%), potent (Betamethasone valerate 0.1%, Mometasone furoate 0.1%), very potent (Clobetasol propionate 0.05%, Diflucortolone valerate 0.3%). Very potent steroids should be used for short periods, typically on thick-skinned areas (palms, soles, scalp), and should be avoided on the face, flexures, and genitalia unless under specialist supervision due to high atrophy risk.

Reference: BAD 2020 Psoriasis Guidelines; BNF Topical Corticosteroid Potency Table