Dovobet Ointment

What is Dovobet ointment?

Dovobet ointment is a prescription-only medicine that is applied directly to the skin. It’s a smooth ointment that contains two active ingredients:

• calcipotriol 50mcg/g
• betamethasone 0.5mg/g

It’s prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions and should only be used as directed by your prescriber. It’s available from Chemist4U in pack sizes of 30g, 60g and 120g.

What is Dovobet used for?

Dovobet ointment is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. This is the most common type of psoriasis and causes raised, red, scaly patches of skin that can become itchy, dry, and uncomfortable.

How does Dovobet ointment work?

Dovobet ointment contains two active ingredients that work in different ways to help reduce the signs and symptoms of plaque psoriasis:

• Calcipotriol helps to slow down the build-up of skin cells that causes psoriasis plaques to form.
• Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that helps to calm inflammation in the skin, reducing redness, swelling, and irritation.

By tackling both the build-up of skin cells and the inflammation underneath, Dovobet can help plaques become flatter, less scaly, and more comfortable over time.

How long does it take to work?

Many people start to notice an improvement within two weeks of using Dovobet, although it can take longer for psoriasis plaques to clear fully.

The usual starting treatment course is four weeks, and it's important to keep using the ointment exactly as prescribed, even if you don't see results straight away.

Dovobet ointment vs. gel

Dovobet ointment and Dovobet gel contain the same active ingredients and are both used to treat psoriasis. The main difference between them is their texture and how they feel on the skin.

Neither formulation is considered more effective than the other. The best choice often comes down to personal preference, the area being treated, and which formulation you find easiest to use consistently.

How to use Dovobet ointment

Dovobet ointment is usually applied once a day to the affected areas for an initial treatment period of up to four weeks. To get the best results from your treatment:

• Apply a thin layer of ointment to the psoriasis plaques you're treating.
• Gently rub the ointment into the skin until it has mostly absorbed.
• Wash your hands after applying the ointment, unless you're treating your hands.
• Allow the ointment time to absorb before showering or bathing.
• Don’t cover the treated area with bandages or dressings unless you've been advised to do so by a healthcare professional.
• Avoid getting the ointment on your face, eyes, mouth, genitals or broken skin, as these areas are more sensitive to treatment.

Unless your doctor has specifically instructed you otherwise, you should also avoid:

• using more than 15g per day
• treating more than 30% of your body's surface area

Dovobet ointment side effects

Like all medicines, Dovobet ointment can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. Most side effects are mild and affect the area where the ointment is applied. More serious side effects can occur, particularly if the treatment is used for longer than recommended or over large areas of skin.

Common side effects include:

• itching
• peeling or flaking skin
• skin irritation or discomfort
• a burning or stinging sensation
• redness at the application site

In rare cases, Dovobet can cause your psoriasis to worsen or trigger a type of psoriasis called pustular psoriasis.

Stop using the ointment and seek medical advice if you notice a significant worsening of your symptoms or develop red, painful skin with pus-filled spots.

Who shouldn’t use Dovobet ointment

Dovobet ointment isn’t suitable for everyone. Before using this treatment, make sure your prescriber knows about any medical conditions you have and any medicines you are using.

You should not use Dovobet ointment if:

• You’re under 18 years old, as Dovobet is not recommended for children and adolescents.
• You have viral, fungal, bacterial, or parasitic skin infections like cold sores, ringworm, athlete's foot, or
• You have rosacea, acne, perioral dermatitis, skin ulcers, or broken skin in the area being treated.
• You’reallergic to calcipotriol, betamethasone, or any of the other ingredients in the ointment.

You should also speak to your pharmacist before using Dovobet if you have diabetes, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are using other steroid medicines.

Storage information

Keeping your Dovobet ointment stored correctly will help to make sure it remains safe and effective to use throughout your treatment.

• Store the tube below 25°C
• Keep the tube out of the sight and reach of children.
• Make sure the cap of the tube is tightly closed at the end of each use
• Discard the medication after 1 year of being opened, even if there is ointment remaining.

Important: Dovobet ointment can also make fabrics more flammable. Take care around naked flames and avoid smoking if the ointment has come into contact with clothing, bedding, or dressings.

Alternatives to Dovobet ointment

If Dovobet ointment isn't suitable for you, there are other psoriasis treatments available. Some alternatives your prescriber may consider include:

• Dovobet gel: contains the same active but comes in a lighter gel formulation that may be preferred for scalp psoriasis or larger treatment areas.
• Enstilar foam: a foam treatment containing calcipotriol and betamethasone that is applied directly to psoriasis plaques.

Dovobet vs Enstilar

Dovobet and Enstilar both contain the same active ingredients: calcipotriol and betamethasone. This means they work in a similar way to help reduce inflammation and slow the build-up of skin cells that causes psoriasis plaques.

The main difference is the formulation. Dovobet comes as a rich ointment, which can be particularly helpful for very dry, thick, or scaly plaques. Enstilar is an aerosol foam that spreads easily across the skin and may feel less greasy after application.

Sources

• Dovobet 50 micrograms/g + 0.5 mg/g ointment – Patient Leaflet (2024). EMC. [Accessed 27 August 2026]
• Calcipotriol (2026). NHS. [Accessed 27 August 2026]