Betamethasone Cream
Eczema & Psoriasis
Betamethasone Cream
Eczema & Psoriasis
Medication features
Betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream is a prescription only topical corticosteroid treatment that helps reduce inflammation and redness of itchy skin. Using the active ingredient betamethasone valerate 0.1%, this medication helps reduce symptoms of common inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.
- Steroid topical treatment for eczema and psoriasis
- Reduces skin inflammation and redness
- Unbranded, cheaper version of Betnovate (both contain the same active ingredient)
Overview
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you. Pricing is provided as a reference only. The final decision on issuing this medication remains with our Prescriber / Pharmacist.
Betamethasone cream is a topical skin treatment that helps to reduce inflammation and redness of itchy skin. Most commonly, betamethasone cream is used to help treat eczema and psoriasis symptoms, such as itchiness, redness and skin inflammation.
Betamethasone cream should be used in combination with your regular moisturiser or emollient in order to effectively treat inflamed skin and prevent irritated skin from drying out.
It can be used on most parts of the body and is recommended for short term regular use only.
Betamethasone cream contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate 0.1%, which is part of the topical corticosteroid family.
As betamethasone cream contains topical corticosteroids, it is important to use your regular moisturiser alongside this medication in order to treat the skin condition effectively.
FAQ
How does Betamethasone Cream work?
Betamethasone cream is a type of corticosteroid that alleviates skin inflammation, reducing your symptoms. It can prevent itching, swelling and general discomfort by blocking the release of inflammatory chemicals.
Many people use it for mild to moderate skin conditions, as it suppresses discomfort, itching, and swelling.
How long can I use betamethasone valerate cream?
Betamethasone cream should be taken for 7-14 days, as this often provides sufficient treatment. Your doctor will usually specify if you should take the treatment for longer.
If your symptoms have not improved after this time (or if they get worse), speak again with your doctor for further advice on taking betamethasone cream, as it can cause skin to thin.
Do I need a prescription for Betamethasone Cream?
Betamethasone Cream is an over-the-counter (OTC) product that treats mild to moderate skin problems like eczema. In most cases, you won't need a prescription, but please ask a pharmacist or your doctor if you're unsure whether the treatment is right for your needs.
What does Betamethasone Cream treat?
Betamethasone Cream can manage a variety of skin conditions, providing symptomatic relief and helping you heal. The common conditions it manages include:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis
- Allergic reactions
- Hives
- Insect bites
Do topical corticosteroids stop skin itching?
Betamethasone valerate cream can help relieve skin itching. As a topical corticosteroid, betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream helps target itching, redness, and swelling that can arise from psoriasis and eczema flare-ups.
Note that betamethasone skin products do not cure your skin condition; they just help manage symptoms.
Does betamethasone thin skin permanently?
Betamethasone valerate cream is a topical steroid. Topical steroids are known to thin skin through excessive use.
However, with normal regular use, betamethasone cream will not cause skin thinning, and if it does occur, it often reverses when the topical steroid is stopped.
How to use betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream & ointment?
Before using any topical cream, ointment, or lotion, thoroughly wash and dry your hands and the affected area.
Apply a thin layer of cream up to three times daily to inflamed skin. Gently rub the ointment into the skin and leave it to soak in.
The affected area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered unless a medical practitioner specifically instructs you to do so.
Always wash your hands after using a potent topical corticosteroid unless that's where the condition is.
Avoid getting any betamethasone valerate ointment in your eyes when using the product on your face, as this might lead to or exacerbate glaucoma.
If any do get in your eyes, quickly flush them out with lots of water.
Where can I buy betamethasone cream online?
You can buy betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream online at Pharmacy Online, a UK-registered pharmacy providing online prescriptions.
Prescriptions for this medicine are available in a variety of quantities, from 30g to 100g.
To get started, simply start an online assessment, where you'll provide some quick information about your skin condition.
From there, our pharmacists will assess your needs and prescribe betamethasone valerate cream or another appropriate steroid skin treatment, depending on your requirements.
Can Betamethasone Cream be used for acne?
Although betamethasone Cream can potentially reduce inflammation, it's not a recommended treatment for acne. Topical and oral treatments formulated to treat acne will provide better results. Please see your GP or a dermatologist to determine which acne treatment is best.
How long does it take for Betamethasone Cream to show results?
It depends on which skin condition the cream is treating and its severity. Most people witness an improvement after a few days of usage, but conditions like eczema and psoriasis might take longer to clear.
Are there any precautions I should take while using Betamethasone Cream?
Taking the following precautions ensures you can get the most out of your treatment:
- Avoid applying to the genital areas unless advised by your doctor.
- Never use Betamethasone Cream on infected skin or open wounds.
- Don't use tight-fitting diapers on your child when applying cream to the area.
- Avoid extreme sun exposure and keep affected areas covered.
Can Betamethasone Cream be used with other medications or creams?
If you're taking other medication or topical treatments, please ask your pharmacist or doctor before using Betamethasone Cream, as it might cause interactions.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Betamethasone Cream?
As Betamethasone Cream is applied as and when needed, a missed dose isn't a major concern. If you're following a treatment plan, use it when you remember or wait until the next application.
Can Betamethasone Cream be used for fungal or bacterial infections?
No, we don't recommend using Betamethasone Cream for bacterial and fungal infections as it's not designed to treat them. You'll need an antifungal treatment, which your GP or OTC can prescribe if the symptoms are minor.
Can Betamethasone Cream be used on the face?
Yes, you can use it on the face, but remember that the skin is thinner. If you have sensitive skin, please speak to your doctor before using the cream and ensure you don't use it for a prolonged time.
Is it safe for children?
In most cases, it's fine to use on children, but if you're unsure, then your doctor will be able to offer advice.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, betamethasone valerate cream can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and common, although some side effects may be more rare and severe.
If you do experience any severe side effects e.g. allergic reactions, when taking betamethasone cream, you should contact your GP immediately.
Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when using topical betamethasone.
Common side effects of prescribed betamethasone cream can include:
- Thinning of the skin
- Local skin reactions including burning, itching, or irritation at the site of application
- Increased hair growth
- Changes in skin colour
Stop using betamethasone and seek medical attention if your condition is not improving, or if you develop small, pus-filled blisters under the skin.
Betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream is not suitable for use in certain circumstances:
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients
- If the patient is under 1 year old
Do not use betamethasone valerate cream for conditions including:
- acne
- rosacea
- perioral dermatitis
- skin conditions caused by viruses or bacteria
Do not use betamethasone valerate cream on:
- broken skin
- itchy skin conditions without inflammation
- the genital or anal area
Other
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medicines, regardless of whether they are over the counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.