What is Betnovate used for?

Betnovate cream, ointment and lotion are prescribed to relieve skin inflammation and itching associated with severe forms of inflammatory skin conditions such as:

Atopic eczema.
Allergic contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Psoriasis.
Thickened skin rash caused by excessive scratching to relieve itching (neurodermatitis, eg lichen simplex).
An eruption of hard nodules in the skin accompanied by intense itching (prurigo nodularis).
Skin disorder causing a flat, itchy, violet rash, usually on the wrists, shins, lower back and genitals (lichen planus).
Inflammatory skin disease known as discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE).
A condition called generalised erythroderma, where there is intense and widespread reddening of the skin (cream, ointment or lotion is used alongside oral or injected corticosteroids).
Severe reactions to insect bites and stings.

How does Betnovate work?

Betnovate cream, ointment and lotion all contain the active ingredient betamethasone valerate 0.1%, which is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid. Betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream and ointment are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine. Betamethasone is a potent steroid used to reduce inflammation in the skin.

Skin inflammation happens when an allergic reaction or irritation of the skin causes various substances to be released in the skin that make blood vessels widen and result in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful.

Betamethasone acts inside the skin cells to stop the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces the swelling, redness and itching and so helps prevent scratching that can further irritate the skin.

Betnovate cream is more suitable for moist, weeping areas of skin, while the thicker, more greasy ointment is more suitable for dry, scaly areas of skin. Betnovate lotion spreads easily and is more suitable for hairy areas of skin, or when minimal application to a large area of skin is needed.

Betnovate cream is more suitable for moist, weeping areas of skin, while the thicker, more greasy ointment is more suitable for dry, scaly areas of skin. Betnovate lotion spreads easily and is more suitable for hairy areas of skin, or when minimal application to a large area of skin is needed.

How do I use Betnovate?

Betnovate cream, ointment or lotion should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected areas of skin once or twice a day to start with. As soon as the condition starts to improve, you should use it less frequently, as directed by your doctor. Click here to see how much cream or ointment to use.
Don’t apply Betnovate to broken or infected areas of skin, unless the infection is also being treated. Don’t apply it to the face unless instructed to by your specialist. Don’t apply it around your eyes or eyelids.
Take care to avoid getting the cream, ointment or lotion in your eyes, mouth or nose. Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Betnovate, unless the hands are the area being treated.
Don’t cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages or other dressings unless directed by a doctor, as these increase the absorption of the medicine into the body and so increase the risk of side effects. If your doctor has advised you to use dressings with Betnovate, you should cleanse the skin before applying the cream or ointment under a fresh dressing. Be aware that nappies and waterproof pants can act as an airtight dressing and can increase the absorption of the medicine.
Betnovate lotion is flammable, so don’t apply it near naked flames or lit objects, such as gas and electric fires. Don’t smoke while applying the lotion.
You should continue using Betnovate for as long as your doctor has recommended. However, if you’re using it on a child, it should preferably not be used for more than one to two weeks at a time. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor. If your skin condition has not improved after two weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor.
Don’t use Betnovate more often or for longer than advised by your doctor.
If you think the area of skin you are treating has become infected you should stop using Betnovate and consult your doctor.

Who shouldn’t use Betnovate cream, ointment or lotion?

Betnovate cream, ointment and lotion are not licensed for children under one year of age.
Don’t apply Betnovate to broken skin or open wounds, or areas of skin affected by any of the following conditions:

Viral skin infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, cold sores or herpes simplex.
Bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo.
Fungal skin infections, such as thrush, ringworm, athlete’s foot.
Acne.
Acne rosacea.
Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis).
Itchy skin where there is no inflammation.
Widespread plaque psoriasis.
Nappy rash.

Don’t use Betnovate if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients. Check the ingredients listed in the leaflet that comes with the medicine if you know you have specific allergies.
Never use Betnovate cream, ointment or lotion as a moisturiser.

Can I use Betnovate while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Not unless you’ve discussed this with your doctor.
Studies in animals have shown that corticosteroids applied to the skin of pregnant animals can cause abnormalities in the development of the foetus, such as cleft palate or slowed growth of the baby in the womb. Studies in animals do not necessarily relate to effects in humans, but there may be a small risk of such effects if enough steroid is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream of pregnant women. Similarly, if enough steroid is absorbed through the skin of breastfeeding women it could potentially pass into breast milk.
If your doctor says you can use Betnovate while pregnant or breastfeeding you should not use it on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. This will minimise any absorption of the steroid. If you need to apply Betnovate to your breasts don’t do this shortly before giving a feed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

What are the possible side effects of Betnovate?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. Potent topical corticosteroids like Betnovate have more potential to cause side effects than milder steroids. However, when applied sparingly, no more more than twice a day, as directed by your doctor, side effects are still rare.

Side effects are more likely if you use Betnovate on extensive areas of skin, broken or raw skin, delicate areas of skin like the face, areas of skin that rub together like armpits or skin folds, or if you use it underneath airtight dressings or for long periods of time.

The following side effects are known to be associated with topical corticosteroids. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn’t mean that all people using Betnovate will experience that or any side effect.

Skin irritation, eg redness, rash, itching or burning on application, or allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis). Stop using Betnovate and consult your doctor if you think you have experienced a reaction or your skin condition appears to be getting worse.
Spread or worsening of untreated infections.
Thinning of the skin.
Reduced skin pigmentation.
Stretch marks (striae).
Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia).
Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis).
Acne.
On rare occasions enough corticosteroid may be absorbed to have side effects on other parts of the body, for example a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands or Cushing’s syndrome. You can read more about the possible side effects of topical corticosteroids here.