Betamethasone Valerate Cream BP 0.025%

What is Betamethasone Valerate Cream BP 0.025% used for​​​?

Betamethasone is used for the treatment of redness, swelling and itching that is associated with skin or scalp ailments such as dermatitis or eczema. It belongs to a class of medications known as corticosteroids and has anti-inflammatory and anti-itching actions.

Dosage and how to use​

• Follow the instructions on your medication label and use this medication as prescribed by your doctor. 
• Before application, wash and dry the whole area to be treated.
• Betamethasone Valerate Cream BP 0.025% should be applied as a thin layer to the affected area usually twice a day by gently rubbing the cream onto the skin. The amount of cream you should use depends on the size of the affected area. Avoid using excessive amounts of this product or applying it on large areas of the skin. 
• Do not use the cream on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes, or skin areas that are infected. Do not cover the treated area with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor has told you to do so. Do not apply to the face/eyelid unless your doctor has told you to. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the product and avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or nostrils. If the product comes into contact with any of these areas, rinse it off immediately with plenty of water.
• Duration of use varies and you should discontinue use once your skin condition has resolved. You should consult a doctor if your condition has yet to resolve by 2 weeks.
• ​Do not share the product with others even if they have similar signs and symptoms.

How much topical steroid should I be applying?

It is important to get the dose right when using topical steroids to avoid the risk of over (or under) application. The standard measure called the fingertip unit (FTU) can be used to help you measure the amount of topical steroid to apply to a particular area of the body.

Rule of thumb: One hand-sized area (i.e., the area of one side of the hand) of skin requires 0.5 fingertip unit of cream.

What are the possible side effects of Betamethasone Valerate Cream?

Everyone has different skin types and sensitivities, and any product can cause a negative reaction in some people. When you use Betamethasone Valerate Cream BP 0.025% cream, start slowly at first and watch for these uncommon but possible side effects:

• Burning, itching, irritation, redness, or dryness of the skin
• Changes in skin colour
• Unwanted hair growth
• A rash, tiny red, or white bumps
• Swelling, pain, or itching

Betamethasone Valerate Cream BP 0.025% usually treats these conditions rather than causes them. Most people don’t experience any significant problems while using it. If you do notice side effects, consider stopping treatment and consulting a healthcare professional.

What precautions should I take?

• Betamethasone Valerate Cream BP 0.025% should be avoided if you have a known history of allergy to Betamethasone Valerate or any of the other listed ingredients in the product.
• This medication should not be used by any children or adolescents below 18 years old unless prescribed by a doctor.
• ​There is limited experience with the use of betamethasone during pregnancy. Please seek your doctor's advice before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Handling and storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep this medication away from children.
• Throw away all expired medications. Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

The above information answers some common questions about this medicine. It does not contain all the available information. It also does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

References

https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/32/Betamethasone-Topical-Preparations