Betamethasone 0.1% Cream & Ointment
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Generic Betamethasone Cream & Ointment
Betamethasone 0.1% Cream & Ointment Summary
Type of medicine | Potent topical corticosteroid |
Works by | Reduces inflammation of the skin |
Active ingredient | Betamethasone valerate |
Strength | 0.1% |
Effective within | 2 - 3 days |
Price from | £13.00 |
Pack size | 30g, 100g |
Common side effects | A burning sensation when the cream is applied, increased itchiness when the cream is applied. |
Manufacturer | Manx Pharma, Accord |
Generic | Yes |
Use with alcohol | No known issues |
Betamethasone 0.1% Information
What is Betamethasone Cream & Ointment and what is it used for?
Betamethasone cream and ointment are effective topical treatments for inflamed skin. Using the active ingredient known as betamethasone, the cream will reduce any itching, inflammation and redness associated with common skin conditions such as:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis
Betamethasone cream is an unbranded (generic) version of Betnovate and both contain the same active ingredient. Betamethasone falls into the category of topical corticosteroid or topical steroids. Topical steroids such as this product should be used in addition to your usual moisturiser in order to treat and manage your skin condition effectively.
While this treatment is not a cure for your skin condition, it will help you to manage the symptoms, drastically improving your quality of life. Using betamethasone has been proven to treat afflictions all throughout the body, from your scalp, all the way to the soles of your feet.
How does Betamethasone work?
Inflammation can arise for a number of reasons, usually as a result of a skin irritant or allergic reaction. When your body detects such an inflammation it will release various chemicals which cause your blood vessels to widen, creating the swollen, itchy, redness, known as inflammation.
Once Betamethasone has been topically applied it will begin to work directly within your cells, decreasing the inflammatory chemicals and reducing the swelling and redness associated with your skin condition. The cream can also be used for other inflammations as well, such as allergies or irritants, bodily reactions to insect bites and stings, as well as rashes caused by local problems.
The active ingredient Betamethasone is available in a wide variety of preparations. If your skin is moist or weeping then you will usually be prescribed Betamethasone cream. If your skin is dry then an ointment might be a more appropriate treatment as it has a greasier texture. And for larger areas, a lotion could be a better choice. Betamethasone is also available as a scalp treatment.
Alternatives to Betamethasone
The ingredient Betamethasone can be combined with other beneficial ingredients to deliver antibacterial, antibiotic, and antifungal treatments. Some of these include Betnovate-C and Fucibet. The combined formulas can be used to treat inflammation in conjunction with infections. These treatments will usually be prescribed for short term use if you are suffering from an infection. These treatments should be used twice daily for no longer than a week.
Non-prescription alternatives for eczema can include;
- Moisturisers and emollients
- Bath and Shower Gels
- Cotton Gloves (To keep from scratching)
- Antihistamine tablets (To ease the itching)
Sources
- Betamethasone 0.1% Cream, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
- Betamethasone 0.1% Ointment, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
Betamethasone 0.1% warnings
Before using Betamethasone cream or ointment you should read the following warnings, in order to make sure that this is the correct treatment for you.
Betamethasone cream should not be used in certain circumstances, including:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed above.
- If you are treating a child under 1 year old.
Betamethasone should not be used on certain conditions, including:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Peri-oral dermatitis
- Skin infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi, such as cold sores, herpes, chickenpox, impetigo, ringworm, athlete’s foot or thrush.
Betamethasone should not be applied to:
- Itchy areas without inflammation
- The anal area (unless specified by the doctor)
- The genital area (unless specified by the doctor)
Special care should be taken when using Betamethasone cream if:
- You suffer from an allergic reaction (ie itchy skin and redness) after initial use.
- You are applying the cream to a leg ulcer.
- You must apply the cream to your face where the skin is thinner.
- You get any cream in your eyes, rinse immediately.
- You have psoriasis your doctor may want to review your progress at regular interviews in order to assess continued treatment.
If you have recently taken, or are currently taking any other medications, you should tell your doctor before beginning a treatment of Betamethasone.
Betamethasone 0.1% directions
You should thoroughly wash and dry your hands before applying any topical cream, ointment, or lotion. You should also clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of treatment to the area and rub in gently up to three times a day. The affected area should not be bandaged or covered in any way unless you have been specifically advised to by a medical professional.
Unless your affliction is present on your hands, always wash them after use. If applying any Betamethasone product to your face, take care to not get any in your eyes as this can cause or worsen glaucoma. If you do get any in your eyes clean them immediately with lots of water.
If, after two weeks, your condition has not improved or has worsened you should speak with your doctor.
Betamethasone 0.1% side effects
Side effects are uncommon when using Betamethasone cream or ointment, however some potential side effects can include:
- A burning sensation when the cream is applied
- Increased itchiness when the cream is applied
- Propylene glycol can cause allergic reactions in some people
- Cetostearyl alcohol can cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis)
- Chlorocresol can also cause allergic reactions.
If you have any concerns regarding any of the information listed above, or you experience a side effect no on this list, then cease usage and speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Betamethasone 0.1% Cream & Ointment reviews
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