Betnovate Uses
Betnovate is a fast-acting cream used for several skin conditions – including eczema and psoriasis – helping to combat swelling and irritation. However, there are certain conditions you cannot use it for.
In this article, we’ll outline exactly what Betnovate is, what you can and cannot use it for, how it works, and how to use it correctly.
What Is Betnovate Cream?
Betnovate is a cream used to treat a range of skin conditions. It is a corticosteroid medicine (also known as a steroid) which contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate. Each 1 g of Betnovate contains 1.2 mg of betamethasone valerate. In the UK, Betnovate is only available on prescription. Betnovate also comes as a scalp application to treat skin conditions affecting the scalp, such as dermatitis or psoriasis.
The cream works to reduce inflammation in the skin, addressing symptoms of skin conditions. Betnovate prevents your skin’s cells from releasing the chemicals that cause inflammation, reducing swelling, redness and itching.
What Is Betnovate Cream Used For?
Betnovate skin cream is used to treat a range of skin conditions including:
- Atopic eczema: the most common type of eczema, causing dry and itchy skin.
- Psoriasis: a skin disease that causes an itchy, scaly rash.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: mainly affecting the scalp but also other areas of the body.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: an itchy rash caused by an allergic reaction after contact with a foreign substance.
- Irritant contact dermatitis: a non-allergic skin reaction caused by an irritant.
- Discoid lupus erythematosus: a type of lupus, the long-term autoimmune disease.
Severe reactions to insect bites and stings.
You cannot use Betnovate to treat:
Despite Betnovate's inability to treat the above conditions, Cloud Pharmacy offers an array of medications that can help, from Finasteride tablets for hair loss to Mirvaso gel for rosacea.
Betnovate For Eczema
Topical steroid creams such as Betnovate are among the most common treatments for eczema. Eczema is a condition which causes dry, itchy, red and bumpy skin, weakening the barrier function of your skin.
Betnovate helps to reduce the inflammation and itching caused by eczema, soothing the skin and allowing it to begin healing. It does this by stopping the skin cells from releasing inflammatory substances. Being stronger than some other eczema treatments such as hydrocortisone skin creams, Betnovate is recognised as a medium-strength treatment for eczema.
Betnovate For Psoriasis
Betnovate cream is an effective treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis, being especially suited to sensitive areas such as the face and skin folds. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes symptoms such as thick and scaly skin, itchiness and discomfort.
The cream works by reducing inflammation, which in term slows down skin cell production and relieves itchiness. Betnovate is applied in a thin layer and gently rubbed into the affected area of the skin. It may be used once or twice per day to treat psoriasis flare ups. If you have frequent flare-ups, once inflammation has subsided you may be advised to use a smaller amount once per day to help stop flare-ups from returning. Betnovate is a mid-strength psoriasis treatment that is weaker than corticosteroids such as triamcinolone or clobetasol, and may be used for areas which are smaller or harder to treat.
How Long Does Betnovate Take To Work?
Your skin should start to get better a few days after starting to use Betnovate cream. If you have used Betnovate cream for four weeks and haven’t seen any improvement, or if your skin condition worsens at any time, speak to your doctor. You shouldn’t use Betnovate for more than four weeks at a time unless advised to do so by a doctor. If you are using betamethasone on your face, ask your doctor for advice on how long it should take to work, and what you should do if symptoms do not improve.
Long-term skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may require you to use Betnovate for a week or two at a time, but perhaps longer. Long-term use of Betnovate may increase the risk of side effects. For this reason, doctors may advise spacing out your Betnovate use, using the treatment for one or two days each week. A milder cream or ointment may be prescribed for people who need long-term treatment.
After your skin is better, you may be able to prevent it from becoming inflamed again with moisturisers, rather than needing to use Betnovate. If you’ve been using Betnovate for a long time, you may be instructed to stop using it gradually, with less being used over time until you completely stop. This can reduce the chance of symptoms returning. If you are a long-term user of betamethasone, don’t stop the treatment without consulting a doctor.
Who Can and Cannot Use Betnovate?
Betnovate is for adults over the age of 18 with certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. In some cases, doctors may prescribe Betnovate for children aged 6 years and older.
The treatment may not be suitable for some people. Inform your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Betnovate if you:
- Are trying for a baby, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Have acne, rosacea or plaque psoriasis
- Have broken skin, including cuts
- Have a skin infection
- Have had an allergic reaction to betamethasone (Betnovate’s active ingredient) in the past
How to Use Betnovate Cream
Betnovate cream should be used alongside your usual moisturiser to effectively manage your skin. The treatment is usually applied once or twice per day. You should squeeze out a fingertip of cream (this will vary for children, according to their age) to treat an area around the size of two palms. Using washed and dried hands, spread a thin layer of cream over the affected areas. Be sure to wash your hands afterwards. Wait 30 minutes before using another skin product.
Betnovate Scalp Application
If you have eczema or psoriasis on your scalp, you might prefer to use Betnovate Scalp Application. This lotion is applied easily with a few drops onto the scalp, before being gently massaged into the affected area.
So if you suffer from eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, why not try betnovate cream today? Both types of medication are available through our online pharmacy. Once your online consultation has been approved by one of our medical professionals, we will send the medication to your door in discreet packaging with next-day delivery.
