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Betnovate is a prescription steroidal eczema and psoriasis treatment available in the form of a cream, ointment, lotion, or scalp application. It contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, a type of corticosteroid (steroid).
Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, it was first launched in Europe in 1963 and has maintained its popularity to this day, helping millions around the world effectively manage their skin conditions.
When applied to the affected area, Betnovate acts directly on the immune system to reduce inflammation, redness, itching and discomfort caused by your condition.
At euroClinix, we prescribe Betnovate cream and lotion specifically to treat eczema and psoriasis.
Betnovate contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate—a potent steroid that works directly on the affected area to quickly reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions. Betamethasone corticosteroid cream works in the following way to ease your symptoms:
How Betnovate works
Betamethasone valerate: understanding the science
Betnovate works in 4 core ways to effectively manage your skin condition:
Reduces inflammation by blocking the release of chemicals that cause redness, swelling, and irritation.
This helps relieve discomfort quickly.
Calms your body's immune system, which is often overactive in those with skin conditions. This helps break the "itch-scratch cycle".
Reduces the speed at which skin cells multiply. This is especially helpful for conditions like psoriasis where skin cells grow too quickly, causing thick, scaly patches.
Temporarily makes tiny blood vessels in your skin smaller, which reduces blood flow to irritated areas. This helps decrease redness, warmth, and swelling in affected skin.
By targeting your condition in these ways, Betnovate provides quick and lasting relief, helping restore comfort and confidence in your skin.
Using Betnovate for eczema or psoriasis can benefit your skin greatly.
A powerful topical corticosteroid
Betnovate reduces inflammation, redness, and itching associated with eczema and psoriasis, reducing discomfort and healing skin quickly.
Betnovate typically begins to alleviate symptoms within 24-48 hours of application, providing quick relief from discomfort.
Betnovate is simple to apply. Whether you are using the cream, ointment, lotion, or scalp application, simply apply to the affected area and see the benefits over time.
Studies show patients tend to prefer Betamethasone valerate over alternatives for its superior smell, consistency, smearing quality, and skin penetration.
Soothes irritation and redness, affording you comfort and allowing you to complete your day-to-day activities without hassle.
Betnovate is highly effective in treating various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Its easy-to-apply topical formulation works exactly where it is needed, and most people begin to see results within days.
Clinical trials have proven the efficacy of betamethasone, the active ingredient in Betnovate, in the treatment of skin psoriasis and scalp psoriasis.
This medication is not suitable for everyone. When you complete a consultation, our UK-registered doctors will determine whether Betnovate is safe for you.
Betnovate is a prescription-only medicine. To be prescribed Betnovate from euroClinix, you must be over 18 years of age and suffering from eczema or psoriasis.
You cannot take Betnovate if:
Additionally, there are some conditions that require further consideration before a doctor can prescribe Betnovate. Tell us in your consultation if you:
Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. Our medical team will evaluate whether Betnovate is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.
To use Betnovate correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug's effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.
The instructions for applying Betnovate cream, lotion, and ointment are the same.
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Wash your hands |
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Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) |
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Gently rub it into the skin until it has all disappeared |
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Unless treating your hands, wash them again after use |
If your doctor has instructed you to use Betnovate more than once a day, repeat these steps when instructed to and follow their advice throughout treatment. |
How much should I use?
Different parts of the body require different amounts of Betnovate. As a general guide, apply the cream based on the recommended fingertip units for each body part, as shown below:
Important: If you apply too much or accidentally swallow Betnovate in any form, it can make you ill. Seek immediate medical help if this happens.
The instructions for the scalp application are slightly different.
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Wash your hands |
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Unscrew the bottle cap and point the nozzle at the affected area |
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Cover the area with a thin and even layer of liquid |
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You can rub the liquid in or leave it as it is |
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Wash your hands again |
If your doctor has instructed you to use Betnovate more than once a day, repeat these steps when instructed to and follow their advice throughout treatment. |
Choosing the right form depends on the area and type of skin condition you're treating:
You can apply your medicine at any time, so choose a time that you can be consistent with. If you are applying it twice or more daily, spread each dose out throughout the day.
For example, if applying twice daily, do it once in the morning and once in the evening.
If you forget to apply it, do so as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, forget the missed one and apply the next at the usual time.
Do not apply extra to make up for a forgotten dose.
Betnovate usually starts to reduce inflammation and itching within a few days. However, it may take 1 to 2 weeks to see noticeable improvement in skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Consult your doctor if you don’t see any improvement after 2 weeks or your symptoms worsen.
While most people will see significant improvement within 2 weeks, it can be used for up to 4 weeks at a time. Any longer than this and you risk your condition worsening or side effects presenting.
Consult your doctor for personalised advice on how long you should use treatment for.
To ensure treatment is as effective as possible, consider making the following changes to your routine when using Betnovate.
Your Betnovate skin care guide
Minimise sun exposure on treated areas. Use a high-SPF sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Avoid harsh soaps and any emollients, as these may worsen your condition.
Identify and avoid potential skin irritants such as certain fabrics, detergents, or environmental factors that may make your condition worse.
Avoid using tight bandages or clothing that can restrict skin movement and potentially worsen irritation.
Consider adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, and eat less processed foods.
Betnovate side effects are mostly mild and should go away within a few days of use. Short-term use is unlikely to cause serious side effects, however, using it for a long time can increase the risk of side effects drastically.
Overusing potent corticosteroids like Betnovate can cause skin thinning, stretch marks, and adrenal gland problems, and stopping treatment suddenly can cause steroid withdrawal, which risks symptoms worsening.
Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience, including the following.
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This does not mention all side effects. For a comprehensive list, consult the patient information leaflet.
Some medicines may affect how Betnovate works or increase the risk of side effects. Most notably, medicines that inhibit an enzyme called CYP3A4 can impact the effectiveness of this drug.
Tell your doctor about any other medicine you take, including:
This list does not cover all possible interactions. For a comprehensive list, please visit the interactions checker on Drugs.com.
Follow the advice in this table to use Betnovate effectively and safely.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using Betamethasone to assess potential risks and benefits.
If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Betamethasone. Avoid applying it to the breast area to prevent accidental ingestion by the infant.
There is no specific information regarding alcohol consumption while using Betamethasone, so it is generally safe.
Betamethasone is not known to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Avoid applying Betamethasone to sensitive areas such as the face, groin, or armpits unless directed by a doctor, as it may cause skin thinning. Do not use on broken or infected skin.
Follow these guidelines when storing the cream, lotion or scalp application:
The guidelines for storing the ointment are the same as for the cream, except for the temperature. Betnovate ointment should be stored below 30°C in the original packaging.
Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste.
Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.
No, you cannot buy Betnovate over the counter. This medication can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Prescriptions are necessary because they:
Ordering Betnovate online from euroClinix is convenient.
Follow these simple steps:
Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.
Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.
euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:
Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.
The price of Betnovate at euroClinix includes everything you need:
Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.
If Betnovate isn’t right for you, other treatments at euroClinix might be better suited to your needs.
Medication | Strength | Form | Used for | How to apply | Key advantages | Best for | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Betnovate | Potent | Cream, ointment, lotion, scalp application | Psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis | 1-2 times daily until symptoms subside | Generally well-tolerated and effective | Acute flare-ups and moderate conditions | - |
Elocon | Potent | Cream, ointment, scalp application | Psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis | 1 time daily until symptoms subside | Effective and generally safe option | Long-term management of skin conditions | - |
Dermovate | Very potent | Cream, ointment, scalp application | Psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, certain skin diseases | 1-2 times daily for up to 4 weeks | Strongest treatment with rapid anti-inflammatory action | Short-term management of severe conditions | - |
Locoid | Moderately potent | Cream, ointment, scalp application | Psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis | 1-2 times daily until symptoms subside | Lower risk of skin thinning | Chronic conditions and delicate skin (face, skin folds) | - |
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
Type of medicine | Topical corticosteroid |
Used for | Eczema and psoriasis |
Active ingredient(s) | Betamethasone valerate |
Works by | Suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation, itching and redness |
Effective within | 1-2 weeks |
Available as | Cream, ointment, lotion |
Available dosage(s) | 0.1% w/w |
Usage instructions | Depends on the form |
Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline |
Generic available? | No |
Storage | Store in the original packaging and keep away from heat and moisture
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Prescription required? | Yes, get one with our FREE online consultation |
Who is suitable for an online consultation* | Adults with eczema or psoriasis |
*Note: Our medical team must review your online consultation before approving this treatment. They will determine if the requested treatment and quantity are safe, appropriate, and effective for you.
Understanding and managing the side effects of corticoste...
Reviewed by Dr. Caroline FontanaSelect
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