Betamethasone 0.1% Cream & Ointment

Betamethasone 0.1% directions

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.

Betamethasone ingredients

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.

Betamethasone 0.1% side effects

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.

Betamethasone warnings

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.

Always review the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Medical science is ever-improving, and the composition and impact of a given treatment can change accordingly. Any such changes to Betamethasone cream or ointment will be indicated in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided in the packaging. In addition to considering what we’ve covered on this page, 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.