What is Enderm cream used for? An In-depth Guide to Its Uses and Formulations

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Topical corticosteroids are among the most commonly prescribed treatments for skin conditions, with various formulations available depending on the specific ailment. What is Enderm cream used for? This medication comes in different variants, containing active ingredients like clobetasol, miconazole, and antibiotics, to address inflammatory, fungal, and bacterial issues.

Quick Summary

Enderm cream is a topical medication used to treat various skin conditions, including inflammation, fungal infections, and bacterial infections. Its specific use depends on the formulation, which can contain clobetasol, miconazole, and other active ingredients to target specific issues.

Key Points

Enderm is a Brand Name: The term 'Enderm cream' refers to several formulations, each with a different combination of active ingredients and uses.
Potent Corticosteroid: The primary ingredient in most Enderm creams is Clobetasol, a powerful steroid used to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.
Combination Creams Target Infections: Enderm GM and Enderm Plus contain antifungal and antibacterial agents, making them suitable for treating mixed microbial skin infections.
Strictly for External Use: The medication should only be applied to the skin and avoided near the eyes, mouth, or intimate areas.
Risk of Serious Side Effects: Prolonged or incorrect use, especially of the steroid component, can lead to serious adverse effects like skin thinning, stretch marks, and systemic absorption.
Medical Consultation is Required: All Enderm creams are prescription medications, and a doctor should be consulted for proper diagnosis, prescription, and usage instructions.

Enderm cream is not a single product but a brand name for a family of topical medications, each with a different combination of active ingredients. The specific formulation determines its use, whether for treating purely inflammatory issues or for combating infections with an anti-inflammatory component. All versions are for external use and require a doctor's prescription due to the inclusion of potent corticosteroids.

The Many Formulations of Enderm Cream

To understand what Enderm cream is used for, it is essential to distinguish between its different types. Each formula is designed for a specific set of dermatological problems.

Enderm Cream (Clobetasol)

This is the base version, containing Clobetasol propionate, a very potent corticosteroid. Its primary uses are for inflammatory skin conditions that do not involve infection. These include:

Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune disease causing red, scaly patches on the skin.
Eczema (Dermatitis): Inflammatory conditions causing dry, itchy, and red skin.
Lichen planus: A condition that results in purple, itchy, and swollen patches on the skin.
Severe allergic reactions: Where significant itching and swelling are present.

Enderm GM Cream (Clobetasol + Miconazole, sometimes Gentamycin)

This combination cream provides a broader spectrum of treatment by adding an antifungal agent and sometimes an antibiotic. It is specifically formulated to treat mixed infections where both inflammation and microbial growth are present. The added ingredients include:

Miconazole: An antifungal that combats infections caused by fungi and yeast.
Gentamycin: An antibiotic to prevent or treat secondary bacterial skin infections. This variant is commonly used for conditions such as:
Fungal skin infections: Including athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
Candidiasis: Fungal infections caused by Candida.
Infected dermatitis: When eczema or a similar inflammatory condition develops a secondary fungal or bacterial infection.

Enderm Plus Cream (Clobetasol + Terbinafine + Ofloxacin + Ornidazole)

This is a more comprehensive combination cream, often reserved for more complex skin infections involving multiple types of microorganisms. It contains four active ingredients:

Clobetasol: To reduce inflammation.
Terbinafine and Miconazole: Two different antifungal agents for a wider range of efficacy.
Ofloxacin and Ornidazole: An antibiotic combination to eliminate bacterial and other infectious microorganisms.

How Enderm Cream Works

Each ingredient plays a specific role in treating skin ailments:

Clobetasol: A potent corticosteroid that blocks the production of chemical messengers like prostaglandins, which cause redness, itching, and swelling.
Miconazole and Terbinafine: These antifungals work by damaging the cell membranes of fungi, which prevents them from growing and reproducing.
Gentamycin, Ofloxacin, and Ornidazole: These are antibiotics that target and kill infection-causing bacteria by disrupting their cellular processes.

Proper Usage and Application

Proper application is crucial to maximize the cream's effectiveness and minimize potential side effects. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or the product label.

Clean the area: Wash and dry the affected skin thoroughly before applying the cream.
Apply a thin layer: Use a small amount of cream to cover the entire affected area.
Massage gently: Rub the cream into the skin until it is absorbed.
Wash your hands: Always wash your hands after applying the cream, unless the treatment is for your hands.
Do not overuse: Use only the prescribed amount and for the duration specified by your doctor. Overuse, especially of potent steroids, can lead to serious side effects.
Avoid occlusive dressings: Do not cover the treated area with bandages or tight dressings unless specifically instructed by a doctor, as this can increase systemic absorption and side effects.

Side Effects and Risks

While generally safe when used correctly, Enderm cream's corticosteroid content carries risks, particularly with long-term use. Common side effects include:

Burning or stinging sensation at the application site
Itching or redness
Dryness or peeling of the skin

Prolonged or improper use can lead to more severe side effects:

Skin thinning (atrophy)
Stretch marks
Changes in skin pigmentation
Visible veins under the skin
Increased hair growth
Acne breakouts
Systemic absorption leading to more widespread side effects, such as weight gain and increased blood pressure, which is a symptom of Cushing's syndrome.

Enderm Cream Formulations: A Comparison


Feature	Enderm Cream (Clobetasol)	Enderm GM Cream	Enderm Plus Cream
Primary Ingredients	Clobetasol Propionate	Clobetasol + Miconazole (+/- Gentamycin)	Clobetasol + Terbinafine + Ofloxacin + Ornidazole
Primary Use	Inflammatory conditions (psoriasis, eczema)	Inflammatory and fungal infections	Complex skin infections (inflammatory, fungal, bacterial)
Mechanism	Potent anti-inflammatory only	Anti-inflammatory + Antifungal	Anti-inflammatory + Dual Antifungal + Dual Antibiotic
Microbial Target	None	Fungi	Fungi and Bacteria
Typical Duration of Use	Short-term due to steroid potency	Prescribed course for infection	Prescribed course for complex infection
Risk Profile	Skin thinning, stretch marks	Similar to Clobetasol, plus antifungal side effects	Higher risk of side effects due to multiple agents

Who Should Avoid Enderm Cream

Enderm cream is not suitable for everyone, and it is important to be aware of contraindications:

Known allergies: If you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Viral skin infections: Such as herpes or chickenpox.
Acne vulgaris or rosacea: Clobetasol can worsen these conditions.
Specific body areas: Generally not recommended for the face, groin, or underarms unless directed by a doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use with caution and only if prescribed by a doctor.
Children: Use is not recommended for children under 12, or as advised by a pediatrician.

Conclusion

The question of what is Enderm cream used for has a multi-part answer, as it refers to a range of products with distinct uses. Enderm formulations containing only Clobetasol target inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Combination creams like Enderm GM and Enderm Plus are designed for infectious conditions involving fungi and bacteria. Due to the presence of potent corticosteroids, all Enderm creams are prescription medications and must be used strictly as directed by a healthcare professional. Understanding the specific formulation and its purpose is key to safe and effective treatment, and consulting a doctor is essential for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enderm cream contains only the potent corticosteroid Clobetasol, for treating inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Enderm GM is a combination cream that adds the antifungal Miconazole (and sometimes the antibiotic Gentamycin) to treat infections with both inflammatory and microbial components.

Use of Enderm cream on the face is generally not recommended, especially for more than five days. It is important to consult a doctor before applying it to the face due to the high potency of its corticosteroid ingredient, which can cause skin thinning and other adverse effects.

Apply a thin layer of the cream to a clean, dry affected area, rubbing it in gently. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after application, unless your hands are the treatment site.

Prolonged use of Enderm cream, especially formulations with potent steroids, can lead to side effects such as skin thinning, discoloration, stretch marks, and visible veins. Excessive use can also lead to systemic absorption and more serious health issues.

No, Enderm cream should not be used for viral infections like herpes or chickenpox. It is primarily for inflammatory or bacterial/fungal conditions, and its steroid component can sometimes worsen viral issues.

Use of Enderm cream in children requires caution and is not generally recommended for those under 12 years of age. A pediatrician should be consulted for appropriate alternative treatments.

Common side effects include burning, itching, stinging, and dryness at the application site. These are often temporary but should be reported to a doctor if they persist or worsen.

Miconazole is an antifungal agent in Enderm GM cream that works by inhibiting the growth of fungi. This makes the cream effective against fungal skin infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effects.