Betnovate

Betnovate is a topical steroid treatment for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. When applied to areas of skin affected by these conditions, Betnovate works fast to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms like itching, redness, and swelling.

Betnovate cream and its other formulations are available from 121doc in 30 g or 100 g tubes.

Betnovate is used for inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. While all forms of Betnovate work in the same way, some are better suited to specific skin types and symptoms.

What is Betnovate cream used for?

Betnovate cream uses include the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions that are moist, weepy, or oozing. The cream’s light, water-based formula absorbs quickly without trapping moisture, treating your condition without making your skin greasy. For this reason, it’s also well-suited for skin folds where moisture builds up naturally.

What is Betnovate ointment used for?

Betnovate ointment is better suited for dry and scaly skin conditions, as is commonly seen in psoriasis. The ointment’s thick, oil-based formula locks moisture into tough, scaly patches so the medicine can penetrate deeper. However, betamethasone valerate ointments like this can be less absorbent with moist or hairy skin, making a cream or lotion more appropriate.

What is Betnovate lotion used for?

Betnovate lotion is designed for large or hairy areas of skin, as it can spread and absorb far more easily than a cream or ointment. A scalp lotion is also available for scalp psoriasis, and is far more effective and easier to apply than other forms of Betnovate for this condition.

Betnovate contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, a potent corticosteroid that stops your immune system from overreacting to irritants. This reduces symptoms of psoriasis and eczema like swelling, redness, and itching within days. While it will not cure you of your skin condition, Betnovate can treat symptoms fast and reduce the severity of flare-ups when they happen.

Betnovate works fast to treat inflamed skin and relieve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. In one study involving 30 patients with dermatitis, researchers measured symptom improvement following the use of Betamethasone corticosteroid cream (generic Betnovate) twice daily. The results showed:

• a 72% reduction in symptoms after 1 week
• a 90% reduction in symptoms after 4 weeks

Betnovate is prescribed to people over 18 years old who complete a short online consultation for eczema or psoriasis.

Do not use Betnovate if you are allergic to betamethasone valerate or any other ingredient found in this medicine. Also, don’t use it to treat any of the following skin conditions:

• acne
• rosacea
• perioral dermatitis (mouth rash)
• itching around the anus or genitals
• infected skin that is not being treated with something else
• itchy skin not caused by inflammation

It’s also important not to use occlusive dressings, like waterproof plasters and bandages, after you have applied Betnovate, as this can affect absorption.

Betnovate is typically prescribed for 1-4 weeks. This is usually long enough to fully treat symptoms of psoriasis or eczema. Using it for any longer increases the risk of side effects, and should only be done if a doctor has told you to. Steroid creams like Betnovate are strong, working fast to ease symptoms. Therefore, treatment over 4 weeks is unlikely and usually unnecessary.

Using Betnovate for too long can also lead to skin thinning, especially if applied to the face. Only use it for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for, and tell your doctor if you notice any irritation or discomfort.

Betnovate can cause some side effects which you should be aware of. However, most are mild and should go away once your skin has adjusted to the medicine.

The most common Betnovate side effects are:

• burning or stinging (short term)
• lighter or darker patches of skin
• itching at the application site

For a full list of side effects, including rarer, but more serious ones, consult the patient information leaflet.

Yes, Betnovate is a steroid known as a corticosteroid. It is a synthetic anti-inflammatory medicine that mimics cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Corticosteroids are ranked by strength, ranging from mild to very potent, depending on their ability to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. Betnovate is classified as a potent corticosteroid. While this makes it highly effective at treating stubborn cases of psoriasis and eczema, it also means it should be used carefully for short periods of time to avoid side effects.

Betnovate is stronger than Eumovate. Betnovate contains betamethasone valerate, a potent corticosteroid, whereas Eumovate contains clobetasone butyrate, classified as moderate. This makes Betnovate more suitable and effective for severe inflammation.

A doctor can prescribe Betnovate for a skin condition affecting the face, but this is not commonly done. Betnovate is a potent steroid, meaning special care should be taken when applying it to sensitive areas of the skin, such as the face. Therefore, only apply Betnovate cream, lotion, or ointment to the face if your doctor has said it is okay, and be careful to avoid contact with the eyes.

Yes, Betnovate scalp application is a form specifically designed for skin conditions affecting the scalp. It contains the same active ingredient as the cream, lotion, and ointment, but absorbs better into the scalp, helping treat skin problems even in hairy patches.

No, you should not use Betnovate on your private areas, including your back passage or genitals. This is because skin around these areas can be sensitive, increasing the risk of side effects like thinning and irritation. To treat inflamed skin around the genitals, consider a mild corticosteroid like Hydrocortisone or a soothing vitamin D analogue like Calcipotriol.

No, you cannot get Betnovate without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

To see if you’re eligible for treatment, all you have to do is complete a short online consultation. If approved by our medical team, your treatment will be delivered direct to your door in discreet packaging.