Betacap 0.1% Solution

What is Betacap?

Betacap Scalp Application is a strong, fast-acting topical steroid solution which is used to treat inflammatory scalp disorders.

The solution is a clear colourless liquid that contains the active ingredient, betamethasone valerate 0.1%. Betamethasone valerate is a topical corticosteroid — a potent steroid which is used to treat inflammation.

How does Betacap work?

When the skin becomes irritated, the immune system releases various chemicals which cause the surrounding blood vessels to widen. This results in the affected area becoming red, itchy, swollen and painful. These symptoms are commonly seen in conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Betacap contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, which is a topical corticosteroid (steroid). Corticosteroids like betamethasone are used to reduce inflammation.

Corticosteroids come in a range of potencies with Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% being classed as a potent corticosteroid. Betamethasone is generally prescribed to treat inflammatory skin disorders, including; eczema and psoriasis. Usually, betamethasone will only be considered if weaker corticosteroids have proven ineffective.

When the Betacap scalp solution is applied to the affected area, it is absorbed into the skin, where it begins to work inside the cells — inhibiting the release of the chemicals that cause inflammation. This reduces swelling, itching and redness — the common symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

To find out how effective actual users find this treatment read our Betacap Scalp Application reviews here.

Betacap uses

Betacap Scalp Application is generally prescribed to treat inflammatory skin disorders that affect the scalp, including:

• Eczema on the scalp
• Scalp psoriasis
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Betacap is very effective at treating outbreaks of eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis affecting the scalp — helping to quickly and efficiently soothe redness, dryness and irritation.

Betacap contains betamethasone valerate, which is classified as a potent steroid. This means that, generally speaking, Betacap will only be prescribed once weaker corticosteroids or treatments have been tried and have proven ineffective.

You may have heard that Betacap can help to treat hair loss and improve hair growth. This medication is not intended to treat symptoms of hair loss — however, a possible side effect of Betacap scalp solution can be excessive hair growth, and some users have noticed the benefits of Betacap for hair growth.

This is not a scientifically proven or recommended hair loss treatment — you can visit our hair loss treatments page for appropriate medical treatments for male pattern baldness.

Does Betacap help hair grow?

Betacap scalp solution is generally prescribed to treat inflammatory skin disorders on the scalp, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. You can find out more in our Betacap uses section.

This medication is not designed to treat symptoms of hair loss or alopecia, or help with hair growth.

However, one of the possible side effects of Betacap can be excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis), and some users have found that Betacap was helpful in helping hair to grow back.

This is not scientifically proven, and there have been no clinical studies into the use of Betacap for hair loss.

Can Betacap be bought over the counter?

Betacap cannot be bought over the counter. Betacap 0.1% Solution is a prescription-only medicine, which means it cannot be sold over the counter.

This is because it contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, which is a topical corticosteroid (a steroid). This is a potent, fast-acting corticosteroid, so it should only be used by people who have been prescribed it.

If you want to use Betacap to treat inflammatory scalp disorders, you will need a medical consultation with your GP or a pharmacist. You can buy Betacap here at The Independent Pharmacy once you have completed an online consultation. Once you do, our team of prescribers will be able to approve your order for next-day delivery.

Betacap alternatives

Some people may not want to use Betacap — or be able to use it — for a number of reasons. This could be down to allergic reactions or personal preference.

If you are looking for a Betacap alternative to treat an inflammatory scalp condition such as scalp psoriasis, there are a few over-the-counter and prescription-only treatments available such as:

• Betnovate Scalp Lotion (which uses the same active ingredient, betamethasone, as Betacap)
• Elocon Scalp Lotion (which contains the active ingredient mometasone)
• Nizoral shampoo
• Alphosyl 2in1 Shampoo
• Neutrogena T-Gel
• Selsun Shampoo

You can find some of the above medicines and more on our dermatitis & eczema treatments page. You can also read more about the available treatments and advice for the medical conditions on this page.

If you’re unsure about a treatment, you can ask our medical team for impartial information and advice before you buy.