Available as a cream or an ointment, Betamethasone is an effective topical treatment for inflamed skin, making it an excellent option for sufferers of eczema and dermatitis. Named after its key ingredient, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid called betamethasone valerate, Betamethasone is also sold as Betnovate.

Applied as directed, this topical corticosteroid treatment powerfully reduces skin inflammation, diminishing the symptoms of skin conditions such as atopic eczema and even psoriasis. Used in addition to your usual moisturiser, it can keep your skin condition under control.

Skin inflammation has many possible causes, but it usually stems from exposure to a skin irritant or an allergic reaction. When such an issue arises, it prompts the body’s regulatory systems to widen blood vessels in the affected area, with the result being inflammation.

Betamethasone directly targets skin swelling, greatly reducing discomfort. More specifically, betamethasone valerate cream/ointment functions by blocking the release of chemicals that induce inflammation, allowing skin irritation to subside and broken skin to heal.

The active ingredient in Betamethasone is available in various preparations. If your skin is moist or weeping, you’ll likely be prescribed Betamethasone cream. If you’re suffering from dry skin, however, you’ll probably be offered Betamethasone ointment instead: the thicker and greasy ointment is far better for locking in moisture.

Aside from those two common versions, you can also use Betamethasone as a lotion: this is better for treating a large area. And if you suffer from psoriasis or eczema on your scalp, you can even get Betamethasone as a dedicated scalp treatment to avoid affecting hair growth.

You’ve found this page because you’re interested in buying Betamethasone — so it is the right treatment for you? Well, the advantages are clear. It’s a proven and broadly-safe treatment for atopic eczema, clearing up itchy bumpy skin using the same active ingredient as Betnovate cream, its more expensive branded equivalent.

Since Betamethasone cream/ointment is a strong corticosteroid, though, it must be used carefully. Skin thinning is a risk if you apply too much of it, so it must be kept to a thin layer and only used at the advised intervals. If you suffer from extremely-mild acne, betamethasone valerate 0.1% is a more potent treatment than you need.

If you’re unsure, don’t worry: we offer free consultations, so we can ensure you’re getting the most appropriate treatment for your skin condition before delivering it to your door through our online pharmacy service.

You should thoroughly wash and dry your hands before applying Betamethasone, as you would for all topical creams, ointments, or lotions (even those not designed to treat skin conditions). You should also clean and dry the affected area before beginning, though be mindful to avoid drying it excessively or causing further irritation: pat it dry with a clean towel or cloth.

When you apply the Betamethasone, you should use just enough to cover the required area. Anything more than this is unnecessary and potentially unsafe. You can use this treatment up to three times per day, though that’s only if your case is particularly serious.

Once you’ve applied the cream or ointment, you must wash your hands again (unless the treated skin is on your hand or hands, in which case you should wash around that skin as best you can). Be sure not to get any in your eyes, as this can worsen — or even cause — glaucoma. If possible (or unless instructed otherwise), keep the treated area uncovered.

If you haven’t noticed any improvement to your condition after two weeks, consult your doctor. You may need to consider another treatment, or perhaps just give it more time.

The active ingredient in Betamethasone cream is betamethasone valerate, with 1mg of betamethasone valerate per 1g of cream.

The other ingredients are as follows: macrogol cetostearyl ether 20, cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin, and purified water.

Betamethasone ointment has the same active ingredient, but otherwise contains only the following ingredients: liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin.

Side effects are rare when using a betamethasone valerate cream or ointment, but they can still occur. It’s most common by far for users to have temporarily-worsened symptoms, with the treated skin sending burning sensations and increased itchiness. It’s usually safe to continue.

Very occasionally, though, ingredients in Betamethasone (particularly propylene glycol or chlorocresol) can produce allergic reactions, while others can cause negative skin reactions such as contact dermatitis (cetostearyl alcohol, for instance). If you believe that your local skin reactions are anything more than a temporary setback, stop using this treatment and consult your doctor immediately. Allergic reactions in particular must be taken seriously.

As is the case for all prescribed medication, Betamethasone isn’t suitable for use in all circumstances. You mustn’t use Betamethasone cream or ointment if any of the following statements is true:

• You’re allergic to one of the listed ingredients.
• You’re treating a child under 1 year old.
• You’re trying to heal acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, or a skin infection.
• You’re suffering from itchiness but not inflammation.
• You’re treating the skin around your anus or genitals (barring doctor approval).

While you can use (or continue to use) Betamethasone cream or ointment if one of the following statements is true, you must be particularly careful:

• Your first application prompts a mild allergic reaction (e.g. itchy skin and redness).
• You’re treating a leg ulcer or your thin facial skin.
• You get some cream or ointment in your eyes (rinse them immediately).
• You suffer from psoriasis (have your doctor review your progress).

Due to the potential for negative drug interactions, it’s essential that you tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking (or intend to take) before starting treatment.

You should take the time to review the PIL before you begin your course of treatment. This will ensure that you don’t miss anything.

Sometimes, the amount of medicine you're advised to use will be given in fingertip units (FTUs).

A FTU (about 500mg) is the amount needed to squeeze a line from the tip of an adult finger to the first crease of the finger. It should be enough to treat an area of skin double the size of the flat of your hand with your fingers together.

The recommended dosage will depend on what part of the body is being treated. This is because the skin is thinner in certain parts of the body and more sensitive to the effects of corticosteroids.

For adults, the recommended FTUs to be applied in a single dose are:

• 0.5 FTU for genitals
• 1 FTU for hands, elbows or knees
• 1.5 FTUs for the feet, including the soles
• 2.5 FTUs for the face and neck
• 3 FTUs for the scalp
• 4 FTUs for a hand and arm together, or the buttocks
• 8 FTUs for 1 leg and foot, the chest or back

For children, the recommended FTUs will depend on their age. A GP can advise you on this.