Betnovate Cream
Eczema & Psoriasis
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Betnovate Cream
Eczema & Psoriasis
Medication features
Betnovate cream & ointment is a topical corticosteroid used to reduce skin inflammation and redness. It is the branded version of betamethasone cream and presents in the same strength and formulation. In combination with your regular moisturiser or emollient, Betnovate cream can be an effective treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. It can be used on most parts of the body and is recommended for short–term regular use.
- Steroid topical treatment for eczema and psoriasis
- To treat inflammatory skin disorders
- Branded version of Betamethasone cream
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. Pricing is provided as a reference only. The final decision on issuing this medication remains with our Prescriber / Pharmacist.
Buy Betnovate Cream Online
Betnovate, the brand name of betamethasone, is a topical steroid that helps to relieve the inflammation, itching, and redness of eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
When to Use Betnovate Cream
Betnovate is a highly effective treatment that a doctor or pharmacist might issue for the following conditions:
- Eczema: Betnovate Cream is most commonly used for eczema flare-ups - especially when your symptoms don't respond to other treatments. It's beneficial for reducing inflammation and itching.
- Psoriasis: Inflamed and thick psoriasis plaques are challenging to treat, but Betnovate Cream will reduce inflammation and scaling.
- Dermatitis: Your doctor might also prescribe Betnovate Cream for dermatitis, as it can relieve redness and itching.
- Other Conditions: The treatment can also relieve the symptoms of insect bite reactions and conditions like lichen planus.
Age Restrictions
In most cases, Betnovate Cream is suitable for adults and children over one-year-old. However, if you're using the treatment on young children, please follow your doctor's instructions carefully and monitor for any reactions.
How to Use Betnovate Ointment
Betnovate is a steroid medication, and it's always best to use it with caution. Following these guidelines ensures you apply it correctly:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before applying the ointment.
- Cover the affected area with a thin layer of cream - but use it sparingly.
- Rub the cream or ointment into the skin it's absorbed.
- Wash your hands again - unless the cream is treating them.
When to Avoid Using Betnovate Ointment
If any of the following apply, please avoid applying Betnovate Cream and seek advice from a medical professional:
- Skin Infections: If you're suffering from a skin infection or have broken skin, applying Betnovate can cause more side effects.
- Acne: The ointment isn't suitable for acne vulgaris. Please contact your doctor for suitable alternatives.
- Facial Conditions: Please avoid using the cream for facial skin unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Allergies: If you're allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients, it's vital to inform your doctor.
Precautions
While some forms of Betnovate Cream can be beneficial for young children, it's a potent corticosteroid, and you should always exercise caution when treating skin conditions in young people. It's also advisable to seek medical advice if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
While the ointment is usually safe to use alongside other medicines, please tell the pharmacist about any prescribed or over-the-counter treatments you're currently using.
Ingredients
Betnovate Cream contains the active ingredient of Betamethasone valerate 0.1% w/w. The corticosteroid can suppress the immune system, resulting in less inflammation and itching.
Inactive ingredients include:
- Cetostearyl alcohol
- Cetomacrogol 1000
- White soft paraffin
- Phosphoric acid
- Liquid paraffin
- Sodium hydroxide
- Sodium acid phosphate
- Purified water.
FAQ
What is betnovate cream?
Betnovate cream is an anti inflammatory steroid cream available in cream and ointment forms. It contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate.
Classed as a 'potent topical corticosteroid', this is a prescription only medicine used to treat itchy skin and inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
How long can I use betnovate cream?
A course of treatment for 7-14 days is often sufficient. If your symptoms have not improved after this time (or if they get worse), speak again with your doctor for further advice.
Topical corticosteroids should not be used for prolonged periods of time as they can cause skin to thin.
Does betnovate cream & ointment stop itching?
Betnovate cream reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in certain inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Can Betnovate Cream be purchased over the counter?
No, you'll need a prescription for the cream, as it's a steroid treatment. However, you can complete an assessment with Pharmacy Online if you don't want to see your doctor. Once our registered pharmacists assess whether the treatment is suitable, they'll prescribe it and deliver it to your doorstep.
Is Betnovate Cream suitable for long-term use?
Betnovate Cream is for short-term usage only. Prolonged usage of steroids can result in long-term side effects, including thinning skin and permanent changes in pigmentation.
Do topical corticosteroid creams thin skin permanently?
In normal regular use, skin thinning is unlikely but, if it does occur, it often reverses when the topical steroid is stopped.
What's the difference between Betnovate cream & ointment?
Ointments aren't so easily absorbed into the skin as creams, so they have more of a protective barrier effect, making betnovate ointment a more effective treatment than betnovate cream.
However, the ointment can feel greasier and appear glossy on the skin, so it might be best to apply it at night.
Can I use betnovate cream on broken skin?
No, don't use betnovate cream and ointment on broken skin.
Also, don't use it on:
- eczema on the face
- infected skin
- cold sores
Where can I buy betnovate online?
You can buy betnovate cream & ointment online at Pharmacy Online, a UK registered pharmacy providing online prescriptions.
To get started, simply start an online assessment, where you’ll provide some quick information about your skin condition.
From there, our pharmacists will assess your needs and prescribe your betnovate cream or ointment, or other appropriate steroid skin treatment depending on your requirements.
What should I do if I miss an application?
Missing an application of Betnovate Cream isn't usually cause for concern - just apply it once you remember. However, if you're closer to the next dose, you can skip the missed application and continue with the regular schedule.
Can I use Betnovate Cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Please consult your doctor if you're pregnant or breastfeeding to discuss the potential risks of using Betnovate. Steroids can cause unnecessary complications, and most healthcare professionals will advise against using them unless it's absolutely necessary.
How should I store Betnovate Cream?
Please store Betnovate Cream at room temperature, protecting it from moisture and heat. You should also keep it away from pets and children.
What is the shelf life of Betnovate Cream?
Most tubes of Betnovate Cream have a shelf life of three years from the manufacture date. Please avoid using the cream if it expires.
How should I dispose of expired Betnovate Cream?
It's important to avoid disposing of Betnovate down the drain or toilet. Instead, you should take it to a medication disposal site.
Can Betnovate Cream be used for fungal or bacterial skin infections?
The cream won't work for bacterial or fungal infections as it's not an antibiotic. If you use Betnovate on an infection, you run the risk of making it worse.
Can Betnovate Cream be applied to sensitive areas like underarms or groin?
It's best to avoid applying the cream to sensitive areas unless your doctor advises otherwise. Skin in the underarm or groin regions is more sensitive to corticosteroids.
Can I go out in the sun after applying Betnovate Cream?
When using Betnovate, avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure if possible. However, if you work outdoors, it's best to wear protective clothing or apply sunscreen.
Side Effects
There is always a risk of side effects with all medications. Some can be quite mild and can subside over time. Others are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any, e.g., an allergic reaction.
Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects from using Betnovate.
Common side effects include:
- Thinning of the skin
- Burning, itching, or irritation at the site of application
- Excessive hair growth
- Changes in skin colour
Stop using Betnovate cream and seek medical attention if your condition does not improve or if you develop small, pus-filled blisters under the skin.
If needed, speak to a medical professional or our online doctor service about other eczema creams and treatments that may be more suitable for your condition.
Other
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medicines, whether over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential to always read the patient information leaflet. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our pharmacy team today.
