Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Betamethasone comes as a cream, ointment, lotion, scalp foam and medicated plasters.
Betamethasone cream and ointment
Creams are best for skin that's moist and weepy. Ointments are thicker and greasier and are better for dry or flaky areas of skin.
You'll usually use betamethasone skin cream or ointment once or twice a day.
How much to put on
The amount of cream or ointment you need to use is sometimes measured by how much you can squeeze onto the end of your finger (a fingertip unit).
As a general rule, a fingertip unit of cream is enough to treat an area that's twice the size of the palm of your hand.
For children, the right amount of cream or ointment depends on their age. A doctor or pharmacist can advise you.
If you're prescribed a combination cream containing betamethasone and an antibiotic, follow the instructions that come with your medicine.
How to apply cream or ointment
- Wash and dry your hands and then squeeze out the right amount.
- Spread the cream or ointment in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
- Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction that your hair grows.
- Use the cream or ointment on all the irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
- Be careful not to get the cream or ointment on broken skin or cuts.
- Wash your hands afterwards, unless you're treating the skin on your hands.
Do not use betamethasone skin cream or ointment at the same time as any other creams or ointments, such as a moisturiser or emollient. Wait at least 30 minutes before using any other skin products after you put on betamethasone cream or ointment.
If you need to use a dressing, like a bandage or plaster, wait at least 10 minutes after putting betamethasone on.
If you're treating a child, do not cover the cream or ointment with dressings or bandages. Using a dressing or bandage can increase the chance of side effects.
If your doctor has prescribed it to treat very severe nappy rash, ask them how much to use and how long to use it for.
Important: Fire warning
Skin creams can dry onto your clothes and bedding. This makes them more likely to catch fire. Avoid naked flames and smoking.
Betamethasone lotion
Lotion is best for treating large or hairier areas of skin.
You'll usually use betamethasone skin lotion once or twice a day.
Use a small amount of lotion on the affected areas of skin.
How to apply lotion
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Spread the lotion in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
- Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction that your hair grows.
- Use the lotion on all the irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
- Be careful not to get the lotion on broken skin or cuts.
- Wash your hands afterwards, unless you're treating the skin on your hands.
Important: Fire warning
Skin lotions can dry onto your clothes and bedding. This makes them more likely to catch fire. Avoid naked flames and smoking.
Betamethasone scalp lotion (scalp application)
You'll usually use the scalp lotion twice a day. You can use it once a day or less often when your condition improves.
If you have washed your hair, dry it properly before using the scalp lotion.
How to apply scalp lotion
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Apply a thin layer of the lotion over the area of your scalp that needs to be treated. You do not have to rub the lotion in.
- Allow your scalp to dry naturally without using a hair dryer.
- Wash your hands afterwards.
Betamethasone scalp foam
You can use the foam up to twice a day. You can use it once a day or less often when your condition improves.
For children, the amount of foam will depend on their size.
How to apply scalp foam
Different brands of scalp foam may have differences in the specific instructions for how to apply them. Always follow the instructions that come with the medicine.
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Massage a small amount of foam into your scalp. Use no more than a golf-ball sized amount of mousse.
- Allow your scalp to dry naturally without using a hair dryer.
- Wash your hands afterwards.
Betamethasone medicated plasters
Medicated plasters are for small areas of skin and thickened skin affected by psoriasis.
Do not reuse plasters. Use a new plaster on the same patch of skin every 24 hours. Wait at least 30 minutes between taking off an old plaster and putting on a new one.
Do not get the plaster wet. It's best to have a shower or bath after taking off the old plaster and before putting on a new one.
You can use up to 6 plasters on different areas of skin each day.
How to apply medicated plasters
- Wash and dry your skin before using the plaster.
- Cut the plaster to fit the area that you're treating if you need to.
- Stick the plaster on the affected skin.
- Wash your hands afterwards.
How long to use it for
Most people only need to use betamethasone skin treatments for a short time. Use it for as long as your doctor has recommended. However, if your skin gets better sooner, check with your doctor before you stop using it.
If you stop using it too soon, your condition could come back. If you need to restart treatment, this could increase how long you need to use it for and so you're more likely to get side effects.
For long-term skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis, you may need to use it for 1 or 2 weeks, or sometimes longer.
To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may recommend that you only use betamethasone skin treatments for a few weeks at a time or for a day or two each week.
Once your skin is better, you can use moisturisers to keep it from becoming inflamed again.
Do not use the medicated plasters for more than 30 days.
If you're using the scalp foam, or are using betamethasone on your face, ask your doctor or pharmacist how long to use it for.
Children must not use the scalp application or foam for more than 5 to 7 days. Follow the instructions that come with the medicine.
If you're using the cream, ointment or lotion, tell your doctor if your skin gets worse or does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks (or 5 days for a child).
Do not use the skin cream, ointment or lotion for more than 4 weeks without talking to your doctor. If you need treatment for a long time, they may decide you need to use a milder cream or ointment.
If you forget to use it
If you forget to use your betamethasone skin treatment, use it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and apply the next one at the usual time.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to use your medicines.
If you use too much
Using more than the recommended amount of your betamethasone skin treatment is unlikely to harm you.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you swallow any betamethasone skin treatment
- you use a large amount of betamethasone and start to feel unwell
Go to 111 online or call 111. Call 111 if you're asking about a child under 5 years old.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the betamethasone packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.
Stopping betamethasone
Talk to your doctor before stopping treatment if you've been using betamethasone for a long time. They may tell you to gradually use less of it, and use it less often, before you stop completely. This reduces the chance of your symptoms coming back.
Using betamethasone for a long time can increase the risk of having a withdrawal reaction when you stop using it. You might have a burning feeling and redness, although this may be more difficult to see on brown or black skin.
The reaction will feel different to the skin condition you've been using betamethasone for. It may cover a larger area than the area you were treating.
Important
If you get a withdrawal reaction or your condition comes back within 2 weeks of stopping betamethasone, do not start using it again without checking with your doctor.