Trimovate Cream

Trimovate Cream 30g is a prescription-only triple-action cream for inflamed skin that is infected or at risk of infection.

  • Combines clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (moderately potent steroid), oxytetracycline 3% (antibiotic) and nystatin (antifungal)
  • For infected eczema and dermatitis, intertrigo, nappy rash and seborrhoeic dermatitis
  • Calms inflammation and itching while treating bacterial and yeast infection
  • Every order is checked by our UK prescribing pharmacist team before dispatch
  • GPhC-registered UK pharmacy (1126145) — discreet, tracked delivery

£30.00

Trimovate cream 30g tube — clobetasone, oxytetracycline and nystatin

Trimovate cream is a prescription-only (POM) skin treatment that combines three active ingredients in one cream: a moderately potent steroid to calm inflammation, an antibiotic to treat bacterial infection and an antifungal to clear yeast infection. That triple action makes it a first choice for skin conditions that are inflamed and infected — most commonly infected eczema, dermatitis and rashes in skin folds (intertrigo).

What is Trimovate cream?

Trimovate is a yellow, water-based cream supplied in a 30g tube. Each gram contains:

  • Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% — a moderately potent topical corticosteroid that reduces redness, swelling and itching
  • Oxytetracycline 3% — a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic that treats bacterial skin infection
  • Nystatin 100,000 units — an antifungal that kills yeasts such as Candida

Because it contains a steroid and an antibiotic, Trimovate cream is only available on prescription in the UK. It is stronger than over-the-counter hydrocortisone but milder than potent steroids such as betamethasone (Betnovate) or clobetasol (Dermovate).

What is Trimovate cream used for?

Trimovate cream is licensed for inflammatory skin conditions where a bacterial or yeast (candidal) infection is present, suspected or likely to develop:

  • Atopic eczema and dermatitis that has become infected or keeps flaring in moist areas
  • Intertrigo — the sore, red rash that develops in skin folds (under the breasts, groin, armpits, abdominal folds)
  • Nappy rash that has not settled with barrier creams
  • Anogenital itching (pruritus)
  • Seborrhoeic dermatitis

It is not the right treatment for acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, cold sores or other viral skin infections, and it is not normally used for ringworm or athlete's foot — those dermatophyte infections respond better to antifungals such as clotrimazole or terbinafine.

How does Trimovate cream work?

The three ingredients work together on the two halves of the problem. Clobetasone dampens the skin's inflammatory response, easing itch, redness and swelling within days. At the same time oxytetracycline stops susceptible bacteria multiplying in the broken skin, and nystatin destroys the cell membranes of yeasts — the combination that makes moist skin-fold rashes so stubborn. Treating the inflammation and the infection together is why a plain steroid cream often fails where Trimovate works.

How to use Trimovate cream

  • Apply a thin layer to the affected skin once or twice a day and rub in gently, using just enough to cover the area
  • Use it for up to 7 days. If the skin has not improved after a week, stop and speak to your prescriber — the diagnosis should be reviewed
  • Wash your hands after applying (unless you are treating your hands)
  • If you also use an emollient, leave time for Trimovate to absorb before applying it
  • Take care on the face and near the eyes — only use it there if your prescriber has specifically advised it

Side effects of Trimovate cream

Used correctly for a short course, Trimovate is well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

  • Mild burning, stinging or irritation where the cream is applied
  • Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia)
  • Skin thinning, stretch marks or lightening of skin colour — mainly with prolonged or repeated use, which is why courses are kept short
  • Allergic contact dermatitis (stop and seek advice if the rash worsens or spreads)
  • Photosensitivity — avoid strong sunlight on treated skin if it becomes uncomfortable

Two practical points worth knowing: Trimovate's yellow colour can slightly stain skin, hair and fabric (it washes out), and like other paraffin-containing skin products, fabric that has absorbed it catches fire more easily — do not smoke or go near naked flames, and wash clothing and bedding regularly.

Who should not use Trimovate cream?

  • Anyone allergic to clobetasone, oxytetracycline, nystatin or any other ingredient (including cetostearyl alcohol and chlorocresol)
  • People with acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or itching without inflammation
  • Skin infections caused by viruses (cold sores, shingles, chickenpox) or infections that are the primary problem rather than a complication of a rash

It can be used in children and infants when prescribed, but with extra care — children absorb more steroid through their skin, so courses are kept as short as possible. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell the prescriber: it may still be used where the benefit outweighs the risk, but should not be applied to the breasts while breastfeeding.

How to get Trimovate cream online

Trimovate is a prescription-only medicine, so it cannot be sold over the counter. Bury Healthcare Online is a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy (registration 1126145) and every Trimovate order is reviewed by our prescribing pharmacist team before it is dispensed — we may contact you to check the treatment is suitable. Once approved, your cream is dispatched in discreet packaging by tracked delivery. Store it below 25°C.

This page is a summary and does not replace the patient information leaflet — always read the leaflet before use. If your skin gets worse, or is no better after seven days, contact your pharmacist, GP or NHS 111.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Trimovate cream FAQs

What is Trimovate cream used for?
Trimovate cream is used for inflamed skin conditions that are infected or likely to become infected — infected eczema and dermatitis, intertrigo (rashes in skin folds), nappy rash, anogenital itching and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Its three ingredients treat inflammation, bacterial infection and yeast infection at the same time.
Is Trimovate cream antifungal?
Partly — one of its three ingredients, nystatin, is an antifungal that works against yeasts such as Candida. It is not the best choice for ringworm or athlete's foot, which are caused by a different type of fungus and respond better to antifungals like clotrimazole or terbinafine.
Is Trimovate a steroid cream?
Yes. Trimovate contains clobetasone butyrate, a moderately potent topical corticosteroid — stronger than over-the-counter hydrocortisone but milder than potent steroids such as Betnovate or Dermovate. It also contains an antibiotic and an antifungal, which is what sets it apart from plain steroid creams.
What are the ingredients in Trimovate cream?
The three active ingredients are clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (a moderately potent steroid), oxytetracycline 3% (a tetracycline antibiotic) and nystatin 100,000 units per gram (an antifungal). The cream also contains excipients including cetostearyl alcohol and chlorocresol, which can occasionally cause skin reactions.
How long should you use Trimovate cream for?
Apply it thinly once or twice a day for up to seven days. If the skin has not improved within a week, stop using it and speak to your prescriber — treatment should not continue beyond seven days without medical supervision.
What are the side effects of Trimovate cream?
The most common are mild burning, stinging or irritation where it is applied. With prolonged use, steroid effects such as skin thinning or visible small blood vessels can occur, which is why courses are kept short. It can also slightly stain skin and fabric yellow, and treated skin can become sensitive to sunlight.
Has Trimovate cream been withdrawn in the UK?
No. Trimovate had long supply shortages a few years ago, which led to rumours it had been discontinued, but it remains fully licensed in the UK and is available on prescription. It is now supplied by Ennogen.
Can you buy Trimovate cream over the counter?
No — Trimovate is a prescription-only medicine (POM) because it contains a moderately potent steroid and an antibiotic. It is available on NHS prescription or privately through a registered pharmacy after review by a prescriber.
Can Trimovate cream be used for thrush?
Trimovate is not a treatment for vaginal thrush. Its nystatin content does treat Candida yeast on the skin — for example in sore skin-fold rashes — but internal or genital thrush needs a dedicated treatment such as clotrimazole or fluconazole.
Does Trimovate cream stain clothes and skin?
It can. Trimovate is a yellow cream and may slightly stain hair, skin or fabric; the staining washes out. You can cover the treated area with a light, non-airtight dressing to protect clothing. Bear in mind fabric that has absorbed the cream burns more easily, so keep away from naked flames and wash bedding regularly.

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