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Betnovate scalp application targets scalp inflammation and itching, providing relief from conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It is a prescription-only treatment.
Betnovate scalp application is a prescription-only cutaneous medicine for the treatment of skin conditions that affect the scalp such as eczema and psoriasis. This product is made by GlaxoSmithKline UK.
Betnovate Scalp contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate 0.1%, a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflamed, irritated skin. The cutaneous solution is used twice daily on dry, flaky, irritated or inflamed areas to calm redness, itching and irritation. Betnovate Scalp Application can be used alongside scalp moisturisers and emollients to help keep eczema of the scalp under control and to soothe alopecia.
If you’re suffering from an itchy, irritated scalp that is undiagnosed, there could be several causes, including dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, allergic reactions, tinea capitis, eczema, folliculitis or head lice. To confirm the cause, consult with our UK-based medical team to find the right medication.
Betamethasone is the active ingredient in Betnovate Scalp, it is a corticosteroid that is applied topically to the affected areas that show symptoms of redness, irritation or inflammation. Betamethasone is classed as a 'potent' (strong) steroid, so obtaining the right dosage is important. It can be useful in clearing and providing relief from chronic conditions where weaker treatments have been ineffective. Betamethasone is absorbed through the skin and then helps to block the release of inflammatory chemicals that cause the symptoms of severe eczema.
While it has its benefits, Betnovate scalp application is not intended for everyday usage. It should be used to manage acute attacks of folliculitis or eczema on the scalp or head where the skin becomes very dry, itchy or flaky (which sometimes results in dandruff). You should then use moisturisers or emollients to keep the skin in good condition day-to-day – such as with chronic conditions. Be sure to follow the usage and application instructions on the enclosed leaflet carefully.
Prescription-strength corticosteroid treatments are more likely than milder treatments to cause unwanted side effects. It is therefore recommended that you try over the counter treatments first to check whether they are effective for you. There are a few non-prescription alternatives to Betnovate Scalp that can be used to treat a dry scalp, these treatments include:
For a full list of dry scalp and psoriasis treatments why not take a look at our conditions advice page.
The following two treatments are prescription-only alternatives to Betnovate Scalp:
Dovobet gel is a topical corticosteroid treatment combined with a form of vitamin D to treat body and scalp psoriasis whereas Betnovate scalp application works to treat an itchy scalp that could be the result of either psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, head lice, or any number of afflictions – not just psoriasis alone.
Elocon lotion is a topical corticosteroid used to relieve inflammation, itching, and irritation of the skin and comes under multiple brand names. It can, however, sometimes cause inflammation of hair follicles.
Diprosalic scalp application is a combination treatment containing betamethasone (corticosteroid) and salicylic acid. It is particularly useful in psoriasis where the skin is covered in scalps as well as being inflamed or irritated.
Here are some things to bear in mind when using Betnovate scalp application on hair:
For adults over the age of 18 years: Apply to the affected areas of the scalp twice daily, in the morning and at night. You should use this medicine exactly as it is prescribed. You will be advised how long to use this solution.
Whilst using Betnovate Scalp Application, you should wash and shampoo your hair before application to ensure it has time to absorb into the skin and is not washed off. As Betnovate Scalp is flammable, do not use a hairdryer whilst using the treatment.
Use moisturiser and other emollients to keep your scalp in good condition.
Instructions for applying Betnovate Scalp Application:
Betnovate Scalp Application contains the active ingredient: betamethasone valerate 0.122%.
It also contains the inactive ingredients: Carbomer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide and Purified Water.
Betnovate Scalp Application does not always cause side effects, however like all medicines they are possible. Side effects are normally associated with Betnovate Scalp being applied incorrectly or being used in higher doses or quantities than recommended.
The most common side effects associated with Betnovate Scalp Application can include:
Stop using Betnovate Scalp and seek medical attention if:
If any of the above side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed here or in the accompanying Patient Information Leaflet, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
You should not use Betnovate Scalp Application:
If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or contact us, before using this medicine.
You should not purchase this medicine online if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is best to talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant, might become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Before using this treatment please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.
Betnovate cream is a prescription-only medicine, therefore it cannot be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without the necessary prescription from a medical professional. It can be bought online from The Independent Pharmacy following an online consultation with one of our medical professionals.
Yes – as long as you are buying from a website that is a legally operating and regulated pharmacy, it is perfectly safe to buy Betnovate online.
The Independent Pharmacy is an NHS Online Pharmacy based in Bristol and has all the necessary regulation to be able to safely provide convenient access to genuine prescription remedies through our Online Pharmacy and Online Doctor.
All of our eczema treatments are supplied by the same UK-based wholesalers used by the large high-street chains.
Betnovate scalp application is a topical corticosteroid. It’s mostly used for seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis affecting the scalp. One of the side effects can be excessive hair growth, or hypertrichosis. It’s important not to smoke or use hair dryers after using it, as Betnovate scalp application is highly flammable.
This medication is for short-term use only. You shouldn’t need to use it for more than 2-3 weeks. If the symptoms are still present after this time, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This treatment can not be bought over the counter following a consultation with a pharmacist. To make things easier, you can order direct from the Independent Pharmacy following an online consultation and receive your order swiftly and discreetly.
Betnovate scalp application is not intended as a treatment for dandruff. If you suffer from dandruff or dry scalp, try one of these more appropriate dandruff treatments. Betnovate is a strong steroid-based treatment that is primarily for the relief of redness and itching in sufferers of acute eczema and dermatitis.
It is not recommended to use Betnovate cream to treat acne. The active ingredients in this medication could potentially make skin conditions like this worse. Though Betnovate contains anti-bacterial properties, only use for skin irritations that have been cleared by a doctor or medical professional. Spots could be made worse with the use of this medication, so if you’re suffering from acne on your body, then this cream is not recommended. If you are looking for acne treatments, a full range and medicines advice can be found here.
Betnovate and Dermovate are both topical steroids used for a number of different skin conditions. The main difference between the two is potency. Dermovate is five times more potent than Betnovate and so special care must be taken when using this medication.
Betnovate should not be used directly on the skin of the face or the ears, as it’s a topical steroid. Only use on your face if you have been specifically directed to by your GP or a medical professional. If you have been advised to use this treatment on your face, then it’s important to avoid contact with the eyes.
This medication is not designed to treat symptoms of alopecia, however, some people with this condition have found that Betnovate was helpful in helping hair to grow back. This is not scientifically proven, however, Betnovate can be used to treat skin conditions affecting the scalp.
It is not recommended to use this medication while pregnant or breastfeeding. Betnovate lotion is potent and is absorbed through the skin into your body. This can be harmful to the development of the baby and so is only recommended to those who have been told to use it by a medical professional.
Because Betnovate is very potent, it is not recommended for young children or babies. There are other types of medication that will be suitable to treat eczema for this age group, so it’s suggested that you speak to a medical professional if you are concerned or seeking treatment for these symptoms in young children or babies.
No, it is not recommended to use this medication on burns, scrapes or broken skin. If this treatment does come into contact with broken skin or burns, then wash with clean water immediately.
If you have experienced severe burns, then it’s important to seek medical attention and get a treatment that is specifically suitable for this injury.
The product is a prescription-only medicine, therefore it cannot be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without the necessary prescription from a medical professional. It can be bought online from The Independent Pharmacy following an online consultation with one of our doctors.
We think accessing healthcare should be easy. Whether we’re fulfilling NHS prescriptions or helping people find the right treatments, we aim to offer our customers dependable, economical and convenient access to medicines with a personal and discreet service.
Visit our Eczema & Dermatitis page for treatments, advice and FAQs.
