Betnovate Cream & Ointment
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Betnovate Cream & Ointment
Monday, 29 Apr 2024
Medication features
Treat Eczema, Psoriasis
Betnovate (betamethasone) Cream, Ointment, or Lotion effectively treats eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Usually prescribed when weaker treatments fail. Flare-ups often improve within 7 to 10 days calming red, inflamed, and irritated skin.
Meet Betnovate:
- A strong topical steroid medicine
- Contains betamethasone valerate
- Relieves inflammatory skin disorders
- Absorbed quickly
Patient Leaflet:
Onset duration:
- Effective within 24 hrs.
- Maximum usage duration is 4 weeks
- Apply once or twice daily on affected areas
- Torso, Arms, legs, and scalp ONLY
- Use moisturizer for better effectiveness
Registered UK Pharmacy Number 1039428
Order Monday to Friday before 14:00pm to guarantee next day delivery
Overview
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you.
Buy Betnovate online in UK
You can purchase Betnovate Cream or Betnovate Ointment online through our UK registered pharmacy. Just fill out an online medical questionnaire with your order. This allows our prescribers to ensure it's safe and suitable for you.
Once approved by our medical team, a prescription will be issued to our pharmacy team. They'll dispense and dispatch it to your delivery address. Please note that only individuals currently prescribed this medication by their GP can request it.
What is Betnovate?
Betnovate is a prescription medication used for treating various skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It's stronger than some other eczema creams and is typically prescribed if milder treatments have not been effective.
Betnovate is a topical steroid, known as a corticosteroid, available in different forms including cream, ointment, lotion, and scalp application. It works by reducing inflammation and itching associated with these skin conditions.
What is Betnovate used for?
Betnovate is primarily used to treat moderately severe eczema. It contains the active ingredient betamethasone, a strong corticosteroid, which works by reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling.
Conditions it treats:
- Moderately severe eczema: on the body, arms, legs, and scalp (not for the face)
- Other inflammatory skin conditions: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Betnovate for other inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis, but only after considering alternative treatments form.
Betnovate Available forms:
- Cream
- Ointment
- Lotion
- Scalp application
Betnovate effectively reduces swelling and irritation associated with a range of skin conditions, including:
- Atopic eczema
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Severe reactions to insect stings and bites
To effectively manage your skin condition, Betamethasone should be used alongside your regular moisturizer. It's essential to note that while topical corticosteroids like Betnovate can help manage flare-ups and exacerbations, they are not a cure for eczema and psoriasis.
How does Betnovate work?
Betnovate, containing betamethasone (0.1%), is a topical corticosteroid used in Betnovate Cream & Ointment. It's directly applied to the skin for relief.
Skin inflammation is typically caused by allergic reactions or skin sensitivity. Betnovate works within skin cells to decrease the release of inflammatory chemicals. This reduces swelling, itching, and redness, preventing further irritation from scratching.
Betnovate cream is ideal for moist, weeping skin areas, while the thicker, greasier ointment suits dry, scaly areas. Betnovate lotion is preferred for hairy skin areas due to its easy spreadability.
Betnovate for the scalp
Betnovate is available in lotion forms specifically designed for treating scalp eczema, including Betnovate lotion and Betnovate scalp, which contain 0.122% betamethasone. Additionally, there are two other scalp products: Betacap with 0.1% betamethasone and Diprosone lotion with 0.05% betamethasone.
For scalp eczema treatment, apply Betnovate lotion once or twice daily to clean, dry scalp skin. Gently massage the lotion into the affected areas, parting the hair for even distribution. After application, thoroughly wash your hands.
Treating eczema on the body, arms, and legs
Eczema on the body, arms, and legs is usually managed with moisturizing emollients. However, sometimes this isn't enough to soothe the sore, inflamed skin.
Adding a steroid like Betnovate can help reduce inflammation and regain control. Betnovate is recommended for moderate to moderately severe eczema.
Eczema is a persistent condition with no known cure, but there are effective ways to manage its symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
Regularly moisturizing the skin helps to keep it hydrated and strong, while steroid creams such as Betnovate can provide relief by easing inflammation and itching during flare-ups.
In severe cases, doctors may prescribe immunomodulators to help suppress the immune system. Long-term management involves identifying and avoiding triggers that worsen eczema for each individual.
For eczema on the body, arms, and legs, consistent use of moisturizing emollients is crucial. However, when moisturizers alone aren't enough, incorporating Betnovate in cream, ointment, or lotion form can significantly improve symptoms, particularly for moderate to moderately severe cases of eczema.
Betnovate alternatives
While Betnovate is effective for eczema symptoms, there are other options available through prescription. These include:
- Betamethasone Cream & Ointment
- Eumovate Cream & Ointment
- Fucibet Cream
- Fucidin Cream
- Hydrocortisone Cream & Ointment
These treatments can be obtained through an online consultation with a healthcare provider.
Sources
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema
About Author
| Name | Mr Suhail Jamil |
| Role | Superintendent Pharmacist |
| GPhc Number | 2069518 |
Directions
How to use Betnovate on the body, arms, and legs?
✅ Betnovate should be applied once or twice a day, using it less frequently once the skin begins to get better. Moisturizing emollients should be continued whilst using Betnovate
✅ Apply your usual emollient and wait at least 15 minutes before applying the Betnovate. Apply a thin amount of Betnovate being guided by the fingertip units for the area affected. Wash hands after use.
Follow your doctor's instructions and read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication.
- Especially appropriate for moist or weeping surfaces.
- Apply Betnovate evenly and thinly to the affected skin areas once or twice daily at the start of your treatment.
- As your condition improves, reduce the frequency of Betnovate application, or as directed by your doctor.
- Avoid applying Betnovate to infected or broken skin areas unless directed otherwise
- Do not apply Betnovate to facial skin unless instructed by your doctor, and avoid application around the eyes or eyelids.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose, or mouth. If accidental contact occurs, rinse immediately with cold water.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the medication, unless your hands are being treated.
✅ Betnovate can be Used For:
- Atopic dermatitis (including infantile atopic dermatitis)
- Nummular dermatitis (discoid eczema)
- Prurigo nodularis
- Psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis)
- Lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis) and lichen planus
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Adjunct to systemic steroid therapy in generalised erythroderma
- Insect bite reactions
- Source:> https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/929/smpc/print
❌ DO NOT USE Betnovate for:
- Betamethasone valerate is not recommended for infants under one year old with dermatitis
- Untreated cutaneous infections
- Rosacea
- Acne vulgaris
- Pruritus without inflammation
- Perianal and genital pruritus
- Perioral dermatitis
Dosage
How to Apply Betnovate cream or Ointment?
How frequently:
- Once or twice daily on affected areas
- Or as directed by your doctor
Significant result: Within 7 to 10 days calming red, inflamed, and irritated skin.
Standard Treatment Duration:
- Typically prescribed when weaker treatments fail
- Treatment courses should be limited to five days
- No more than four weeks at a time
- If the condition worsens or does not improve within two to four weeks, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings
Important warnings: ⚠️
- Prescription only: Never use Betnovate without a doctor's prescription.
- Follow instructions carefully: Use Betnovate exactly as prescribed, including dosage, frequency, and duration.
- Not for long-term use: Typically used for a maximum of 4 weeks.
- Potential side effects: Like all medications, Betnovate has potential side effects. Consult your doctor for a complete list and understand the risks before using it.
- Seek medical advice if needed: If you experience any side effects or have concerns, contact your doctor immediately.
FAQ
Can I use Betnovate for acne?
Always consult a doctor for proper acne treatment rather than using Betnovate, which isn't intended for this purpose and may harm your skin.
Betnovate for insect bites
Betnovate, designed to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, can be applied for insect bite inflammation. However, it's not always the primary treatment and should be used cautiously.
How often should Betnovate be applied on the body, arms, and legs?
Betnovate should be applied once or twice a day on the body, arms, and legs.
What should you continue to use before applying Betnovate?
Before applying Betnovate, it's important to continue using moisturizing emollients.
How should Betnovate be applied to the affected areas of the skin?
Betnovate should be applied thinly and evenly.
What is the purpose of using moisturizing emollients alongside Betnovate?
Moisturizing emollients help restore softening oils to the skin and complement the action of Betnovate.
When should Betnovate be discontinued during eczema treatment?
Betnovate should be discontinued once eczema has completely settled.
What is the maximum duration for using Betnovate to treat eczema?
Betnovate should not be used for more than 4 weeks at a time to minimize the risk of side effects.
Why should you continue using moisturizing emollients after eczema has settled?
After eczema has settled, frequent use of moisturizing emollients should be continued to prevent flare-ups.
What risks are associated with using excessive Betnovate?
Excessive use of Betnovate increases the risk of side effects.
How should Betnovate be used to minimize the risk of side effects?
Betnovate should be used as directed by the doctor to minimize the risk of side effects.
What are the benefits of using Betnovate ointment over Betnovate cream?
Betnovate ointment provides a stronger protective barrier effect compared to Betnovate cream.
What action should be taken if Betnovate is accidentally applied to sensitive areas of the body?
Rinse immediately with cold water.
Side Effects
Betnovate is usually safe if used as directed by your doctor, but there are some things to watch out for:
- Side effects are more likely if you use it on large areas or for a long time.
- Using too much or on sensitive areas like the face can also cause side effects.
- The most common side effects include pain, itching, irritation, or burning where it's applied.
- If your skin gets worse or changes while using Betnovate, like getting lighter or darker, or losing hair, stop using it and talk to your doctor.
Information
| Leaflet for Betnovate Cream | |
Medicine Type | Topical Corticosteroid |
| Works by | reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling |
| Active ingredient | Betamethasone valerate |
| Onset action duration | Within 24 hours |
| Size of pack | 30g & 100g |
| Strength | betamethasone 0.1% (as valerate |
| Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Use with alcohol | No known effects |
| Dosing | ONCE or TWICE daily to the affected area(s). |
| Side Effects | Possibility of itching, irritation, burning and pain at the site of application. |
| breastfeedingWarning | Using betamethasone valerate while breastfeeding should only happen if the mom's benefit is more than the risk to the baby. If used, avoid applying it directly to the breasts. |
| Use with alcohol | Not Known |
| foodWarning | This product is not affected by food |
| PregnancyWarning | Using betamethasone valerate during pregnancy should only happen if the benefit to the mother is greater than the risk to the baby. Only use the minimum amount for the shortest duration possible. |
About eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is characterized by areas of dry, inflamed skin. The inflammation and loss of natural skin oils result in skin dryness.
Dry skin is less effective at preventing toxins and irritants from entering the body, leading to further inflammation. This creates a cycle of drying, inflammation, and recurring dryness in eczema-affected areas.
Delivery
Once your order has been approved by our UK medical team it will be dispatched via Royal mail. All orders are sent using a tracked and signed for service.
Royal Mail 48 | £3.49
Estimated delivery within 2-3 working days. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.
Free delivery on orders over £50.
RM 24 (Next working day) | £4.99
Estimated delivery within 1 working day. Excludes bank holidays. Not a guaranteed service.
