Betamethasone 0.1% is available as a cream or an ointment. Ointments are usually thicker and greasier and more suitable for dry, hairless skin. Creams tend to be less greasy and are better for moist or weepy skin.

Usually, a small amount of steroid is applied to the affected area of the skin twice a day. A usual course of treatment is up to two weeks. You should notice an improvement after a few days of applying the steroid. If there’s no improvement after a week, stop applying it and see your doctor. Extended use could leave the bacteria resistant, making Betamethasone less effective in the future.

You should wait 30 minutes after applying Betamethasone before applying any other moisturizers or emollients. If the affected skin does not improve after a course of treatment of 2 weeks, consult our clinical team for further advice.

When applying the cream, using fingertip units can be a useful guide. Squeeze the cream from the tube onto your index finger from the tip to the first joint of the finger. This counts as one fingertip unit.

Do not apply this cream to broken or infected areas of the skin, unless it is the infection that is being treated. Do not apply this cream to the facial skin unless you are instructed to do so by your specialist. Take extra care of ensuring that this cream will not go into your eyes, mouth, or nose. Wash your hand thoroughly after applying the cream, unless you are treating your hands.

Follow the instructions below to ensure appropriate use of this medication:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap
• Place a small amount of Betamethasone on a clean cotton wool pad or gauze swab.
• Apply the cream to the infected area of your skin.
• You can cover the treated area with a plaster or other suitable dressing, unless your doctor has told you to leave it uncovered.
• Replace the cap on the tube and wash your hands

In the event you miss a dose, it is safe to apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if enough time has passed that you should be applying your next dose instead, simply skip the missed dose and resume your typical application schedule.

Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Side effects are more likely to happen if you use it on large skin areas or use it for long periods. Applying too much, or applying it to sensitive areas of the skin like the face, also increases the chances of side effects.

The most common side effect is a feeling of pain, itching, irritation, or burning in the affected area. These side effects do not last long. They disappear as the skin gets used to the medication.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.

People with acne, rosacea and a type of psoriasis called plaque psoriasis should not apply Betematsone to these skin problems. Applying it to those skin conditions can make them worse.

It is also not suitable to use on skin affected by cold sores, or fungal infections. After applying the cream, you should not cover the skin with any dressings or bandages unless your doctor has told you to. It should not be used on infected skin unless your doctor has prescribed an anti-infective medicine to use with it. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to our clinical team before using the steroid cream. You may be advised a different medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Take extra care when using this cream on large areas of skin or anywhere on the face, especially near the eyes. In addition, keep it away from sensitive areas of skin (e.g. the lips, the genitals) unless you’ve been directly told otherwise by your doctor.

Stop using this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of high levels of corticosteroids in the bloodstream such as fatigue, irritability, increased thirst and urination, and muscle weakness.

In rare instances, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. It is important to tell your doctors that you are using this medication before undergoing a surgical treatment, or if you get a serious illness or injury.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:

• Hives
• Dizziness
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Wheezing
• Difficult breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.

For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.