About topical betamethasone

Betamethasone is classed as a potent topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids are also referred to as topical steroids. Topical steroids are used in addition to moisturisers (emollients) for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczéma et dermatite. A topical steroid is used when patches of eczema or dermatitis flare up. Betamethasone relieves the symptoms of a flare-up by reducing inflammation, itching and redness. It is not a cure for the condition, but it will help to relieve the symptoms. Short courses of betamethasone may also be prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis for small areas such as the scalp, soles of the feet, or palms of the hands.

Betamethasone is available in a number of different preparations. It is likely you will be prescribed a cream if the affected areas of your skin are moist or weeping, an ointment if your skin is dry, or a lotion for larger or hairy areas of skin. It is also available as an application for the scalp. Betamethasone is not generally suitable for children, although short courses of up to two weeks may occasionally be prescribed for a child by a skin specialist doctor.

There are also betamethasone preparations available which contain an antibacterial agent (such as clioquinol, neomycin or fusidic acid), or an antifungal agent (such as clotrimazole). You may be prescribed one of these preparations for short-term use if your skin has become infected. They are typically used twice a day for one week only. Some preparations of betamethasone also contain an ingredient called salicylic acid. The salicylic acid in these formulations can help the steroid to be absorbed more effectively by your skin, but these are also only prescribed for short periods of time.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using betamethasone it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si vous avez des zones de peau infectée.

• Si vous avez de la rosacée ou de l'acné.

• Si vous êtes enceinte ou si vous allaitez.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à une préparation cutanée.

• Avant de commencer à utiliser la préparation, lisez la notice d'information imprimée fournie par le fabricant à l'intérieur du paquet. Elle vous donnera plus d'informations sur les stéroïdes topiques et vous fournira une liste complète des effets secondaires que vous pourriez ressentir lors de leur utilisation.

• Apply a small amount to the areas of skin which are inflamed. Then gently rub it into the skin until it has disappeared. If you are using a scalp application, apply it to dry hair, rub it in gently, and then allow the area to dry again naturally.

• Do not use betamethasone on any areas of open or infected skin unless you have a preparation which also contains an antibacterial or antifungal agent (such as Fucibet® or Lotriderm®). If you are using one of these preparations, use it regularly twice daily for one week only, unless you have been directed otherwise by your doctor.

• La quantité de corticostéroïde topique que vous devez appliquer est généralement mesurée en unités fingertip (UF). Une UF correspond à la quantité de crème ou de pommade qui est pressée le long du bout du doigt d'un adulte (c'est-à-dire du bout du doigt jusqu'à la première pliure). En guise de guide, une UF suffit à couvrir une zone deux fois plus grande que la paume d'un adulte. Votre médecin vous indiquera combien d'UF vous devrez utiliser pour couvrir la zone de votre peau affectée.

• Your doctor will tell you how often to apply betamethasone. It must not be applied more than twice a day, and once a day is often sufficient.

• Si vous utilisez plus d'un corticostéroïde topique, assurez-vous de connaître le moment et l'endroit où utiliser chacun d'eux. Si vous avez des doutes, consultez votre médecin ou demandez conseil à votre pharmacien.

• After you have applied betamethasone, remember to wash your hands (unless your hands are the treated area).

• If you are using betamethasone for psoriasis, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It should not be used for large areas of psoriasis or for long periods of time, as these can cause your symptoms to flare up again afterwards.

• If you are using a moisturiser along with this preparation, apply the moisturiser first. Then wait 10-15 minutes before applying betamethasone. This allows time for the moisturiser to be absorbed before the topical corticosteroid is applied. Your skin should be moist but not slippery when you apply betamethasone.

• Do not use betamethasone on your face unless a skin specialist doctor has said you should. If you have been told to use it on your face, be careful not to get any preparation near your eyes and do not use it for longer periods of time than you have been advised.

• Sauf avis contraire de votre médecin, n'appliquez pas de bandage ou de pansement sur la zone traitée, car cela augmenterait l'absorption de la préparation et le risque d'effets secondaires.

• Continue to use betamethasone until the flare-up has gone and then stop it. A course of treatment for 7-14 days is often sufficient. If your symptoms have not improved after this time (or if they get worse), speak again with your doctor for further advice. Topical corticosteroids like betamethasone should not be used for long periods of time or on large areas of the body.

• After you finish using betamethasone, continue to use your moisturiser every day. This will help to prevent a further flare-up. Your doctor may also prescribe a less potent steroid cream for you to use when needed.

• If you are using a preparation of betamethasone containing clioquinol, be careful not to let the preparation come into contact with your clothing, as it may stain.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. You can reduce the risk of side-effects from betamethasone by applying the preparation thinly, no more than twice a day, and applying it to the affected areas only.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to betamethasone, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

There is a risk of fire when creams and ointments are absorbed by fabrics (such as clothing or bedsheets), making them flammable. A spark or flame can easily ignite the fabric. The risk is highest when large amounts of paraffin-based products are applied and absorb into fabrics. However, there is also a risk when non-paraffin products are used. Be aware of this fire hazard when repeatedly using large amounts of any skin product. Do not smoke or go near naked flames. When used as directed by your doctor, betamethasone will be applied in small quantities on small areas of skin. There should be minimal absorption into fabrics and a lower risk of fire.

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.