What is Betamethasone 0.1% ointment?
Betamethasone ointment contains betamethasone valerate 0.1%, a type of steroid medication. This medicine helps to decrease swelling and irritation. Betamethasone 0.1% cream is used to alleviate redness and itching associated with various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
How do you use Betamethasone 0.1% ointment?
Always follow your doctor's instructions precisely when using this medicine. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Using this medicine:
- Typically, Betamethasone 0.1% ointment should be applied once or twice daily. Your doctor may advise reducing the frequency as your skin improves.
- This cream is for external use only.
- Apply only the prescribed amount.
- Avoid using on large areas of the body for extended periods (such as daily for several weeks or months) unless directed by your doctor.
- Since germs thrive in warm, moist environments, clean the skin before applying a fresh dressing or bandage.
- If you’re applying the ointment to someone else, wash your hands thoroughly afterward or use disposable plastic gloves.
- If there is no improvement in your skin condition within 2 to 4 weeks, consult your doctor.
Instructions for Applying the ointment:
- Start by washing your hands thoroughly.
- Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected areas and gently rub it in until fully absorbed. Use your fingertip to measure the amount of Betamethasone 0.1% needed. For children, use less ointment but still measure with an adult fingertip unit. Refer to the provided pictogram for a visual guide of one fingertip unit.
- If you are not applying the ointment to your hands, wash them again after use.
Application Guide for Adults:
- Face and Neck: 2 ½ fingertip units
- Back: 7 fingertip units
- Front: 7 fingertip units
- One Arm (excluding the hand): 3 fingertip units
- Both Sides of One Hand: 1 fingertip unit
- One Leg (excluding the foot): 6 fingertip units
- One Foot: 2 fingertip units
Adjust the amount slightly if needed, as these are approximate guidelines.
For Children Aged 1 – 10:
Number of Fingertip Units Needed:
| Age |
Face and Neck |
Arm and Hand |
Leg and Foot |
Front |
Back (Including Buttocks) |
| 1-2 years |
1 ½ |
1 ½ |
2 |
2 |
3 |
| 3-5 years |
1 ½ |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 ½ |
| 6-10 years |
2 |
2 ½ |
4 ½ |
3 ½ |
5 |
- Children Under 1 Year: Betnovate should not be used.
- Dosage: It is crucial not to exceed the prescribed amount for children.
- Treatment Duration: Treatment for a child should not typically exceed 5 days, unless specifically directed by your doctor.
For Psoriasis: If you have thick psoriasis patches on elbows or knees, your doctor may recommend applying the ointment under an airtight dressing at night to enhance its effectiveness. After a short period, you can apply the ointment as usual.
Applying to the Face: Only use Betamethasone on the face if instructed by your doctor. It should not be used for more than 5 days due to the risk of thinning skin on the face. Avoid contact with the eyes.
If You Use Too Much Betamethasone: Applying more Betamethasone than prescribed or accidentally swallowing it could cause adverse effects. Contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital immediately for assistance.
If You Miss a Dose: If you forget to apply Betamethasone, do so as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for your next application, skip the missed dose and apply the next dose at the scheduled time.
If You Stop Using Betamethasone: If you have been using Betamethasone regularly, consult your doctor before discontinuing it, as stopping abruptly could worsen your condition.
For any additional questions about this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the side effects of Betamethasone 0.1% ointment?
Like all medications, this medicine may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Stop using Betamethasone 0.1% ointment and contact your doctor immediately if:
- Your skin condition worsens, you develop a widespread rash, or your skin becomes swollen during treatment. This may indicate an allergic reaction, an infection, or a need for different treatment.
- You have psoriasis and develop raised bumps with pus under the skin. This rare condition, which can occur during or after treatment, is known as pustular psoriasis.
Other side effects you may experience while using Betamethasone 0.1% cream include:
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
• a feeling of burning, pain, irritation or itching where the cream is applied
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
- Increased risk of infection
- Allergic skin reaction at the application site
- Rash, itchy bumpy skin, or skin redness
- Thinning and dryness of the skin, which may also become more prone to damage or wrinkling
- Development of stretch marks
- More visible blood vessels under the skin's surface
- Changes in hair growth, including increased or reduced hair growth or hair loss, and changes in skin color
- Weight gain, rounding of the face
- Delayed weight gain or slowed growth in children
- Bones may become thin, weak, and fracture easily
- Cloudy lens in the eye (cataract) or increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
- Decreased cortisol levels in the blood
- Increased blood sugar levels or sugar in the urine
- High blood pressure
Not Known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
- Blurred vision
- Steroid withdrawal reaction: Prolonged use can lead to a withdrawal reaction that may differ from the original condition. This can occur during treatment or within days to weeks after stopping and may include: redness extending beyond the initial treatment area, burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling skin, oozing open sores.
Corticosteroid creams, ointments, and other topical preparations are available in four potencies: mild, moderately potent, potent, or very potent. Healthcare professionals typically refer to potency rather than strength. A potent corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild one when using the same amount. The percentage of active ingredient on product packaging does not indicate potency. Betamethasone ointment is classified as a potent corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or recommend a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition.
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any potential side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme website:
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for "MHRA Yellow Card" in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects, you help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Betamethasone 0.1% ointment FAQs
What is the difference between Betamethasone 0.1% Cream and Ointment?
Formulation and Texture:
- Betamethasone 0.1% Ointment: The ointment has a greasy texture, making it thicker and more occlusive. It is designed to create a barrier on the skin, which helps to lock in moisture. This makes it suitable for very dry, scaly, or thickened areas of skin.
- Betamethaosone 0.1% Cream: The cream has a lighter, less greasy consistency compared to the ointment. It is designed to be more easily absorbed into the skin, making it suitable for weeping or moist areas of skin and for use on hairy areas.
Absorption and Use:
- Betamethasone 0.1% Ointment: Due to its occlusive nature, the ointment is slower to absorb but provides longer-lasting moisture. It is ideal for treating chronic, dry, and thickened skin conditions.
- Betamethasone 0.1% Cream: The cream is absorbed more quickly, which can be more comfortable for use during the day or on larger surface areas. It is better for acute, moist, or weepy skin conditions.
Suitability for Different Skin Types:
- Betamethasone 0.1% Ointment: Best suited for dry and scaly skin conditions as it helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
- Betamethasone 0.1% Cream: Better suited for oily or normal skin types, or areas of the skin that are more sensitive or prone to irritation.
Application Areas:
- Betamethasone 0.1% Ointment: Typically used on areas of the body where the skin is thick and dry, such as elbows, knees, and feet.
- Betamethasone 0.1% Cream: Can be used on more sensitive areas or where the skin folds, such as the face, armpits, and groin.
Efficacy:
- Both Betamethasone 0.1% ointment and cream contain the same active ingredient (betamethasone valerate) and are equally effective in terms of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The choice between them depends on the specific nature and location of the skin condition being treated.
Patient Preference:
- Betamethasone 0.1% Ointment: Some patients may prefer the ointment for its long-lasting moisturizing effects, especially at night.
- Betamethasone 0.1% Cream: Others may prefer the cream for its lighter feel and quicker absorption, making it more convenient for use during the day.
In summary, the choice between Betamethasone 0.1% cream and ointment depends on the specific skin condition, the area of application, and personal preference. Your healthcare provider can help determine which formulation is best suited for your particular needs.
Can I use Betamethasone 0.1% ointment for my acne?
Betamethasone 0.1% cream is not suitable for treating acne or acne scars, and using it for such purposes could potentially worsen the condition.
What is Betamethasone 0.1% ointment used for?
Betamethasone 0.1% ointment is used to treat various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin disorders. It helps to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.
How should I apply Betamethasone 0.1% ointment?
Apply a thin layer of Betamethasone 0.1% ointment to the affected area of the skin once or twice daily, as directed by your healthcare provider. Gently rub it in until fully absorbed. Wash your hands after application unless they are being treated.
Can I use Betamethasone 0.1% ointment on my face?
Betamethasone 0.1% ointment should be used on the face only under the supervision of a healthcare provider, as the skin on the face is more sensitive and prolonged use can cause side effects such as thinning of the skin.
How long can I use Betamethasone 0.1% ointment?
The duration of Betamethasone 0.1% ointment use should be as short as possible, typically no longer than a few weeks. Long-term use can lead to side effects such as skin thinning, stretch marks, and increased risk of infections. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
What are the common side effects of Betamethasone 0.1% ointment?
Common side effects include a burning or stinging sensation, itching, and irritation at the application site. If these symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Can Betamethasone 0.1% ointment be used on children?
Betamethasone 0.1% ointment can be used on children, but it should be done with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Children may be more susceptible to side effects, and the treatment duration should be as short as possible.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not apply extra cream or ointment to make up for the missed dose.
Can I use Betamethasone 0.1% ointment if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using Betamethasoen 0.1% ointment. They will weigh the potential risks and benefits to determine if it is safe for you to use.
Are there any drug interactions with Betamethasone 0.1% ointment?
While systemic interactions are less common with topical use, it is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, including other topical treatments. Certain medications, such as systemic corticosteroids, can increase the risk of side effects.
What should I do if I experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction?
If you experience severe side effects such as worsening of your skin condition, a generalized rash, swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), stop using Betamethasone ointment and seek medical attention immediately.
