Common questions about beclometasone skin cream

Beclometasone is a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). Steroids help to reduce swelling (inflammation) in the skin (and other parts of your body).

Skin gets inflamed when an allergic reaction or irritation causes chemicals to be released in the skin. These make blood vessels widen and your irritated skin becomes swollen, itchy, and painful and may look red.

Beclometasone skin cream and ointment works inside your skin's cells to stop these chemicals being released. This reduces the swelling, redness and itching.

Your skin should start to get better after you've used beclometasone for a few days.

Speak to your doctor if there's no improvement after 4 weeks, or if your skin gets worse at any time.

If your doctor says it's OK to use beclometasone on your face, follow their instructions carefully. Speak to your doctor if your skin is no better after about 5 days.

Using beclometasone cream for a long time without stopping can mean some of the medicine gets into your blood. If this happens, there's a very small chance it can cause serious side effects, such as adrenal gland problems, high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), or problems with your eyesight.

Using it for a long time can also increase the risk of having a 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 have been using it for. It may cover a larger area than the area you were treating.

If you've been using beclometasone cream for a long time, your doctor may tell you to gradually reduce the amount you use before stopping completely.

Do not use beclometasone on your face unless a doctor has told you to.

The skin on your face is delicate, so if beclometasone cream thins the skin or damages it, it's particularly noticeable.

If your doctor tells you that you can use beclometasone on your face, follow their instructions carefully.

Do not put the cream or ointment near your eyes or on your eyelids.

Steroids like beclometasone reduce swelling (inflammation) in your skin to help manage your symptoms. They do not cure eczema.

If you feel your symptoms are getting worse after using beclometasone, it's important to tell a doctor.

When you stop using beclometasone, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can flare up again.

You can avoid this by gradually reducing the amount you put on, and how often you use it. Your doctor can tell you how to do this.

Using beclometasone does not stop you or your child having vaccinations.

But tell the doctor or nurse that you're using beclometasone so they can give the vaccine in an untreated area of skin.

If you're using steroid medicines such as beclometasone cream, your adrenal glands may not make as much of some of the hormones your body needs such as cortisol (known as the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency.

It's more likely to happen if you take high doses for a long time (especially tablets and injections) or if you regularly use different kinds of steroids at the same time (such as a steroid cream and a steroid inhaler).

Your doctor or pharmacist will check your risk of adrenal insufficiency based on the type and dose of steroids you're taking. They may recommend that you carry a red steroid emergency card. The card is the size of a credit card and fits in your wallet or purse. A similar card, called the adrenal insufficiency card, is available for children.

Find out more about steroid emergency cards for adults on the Addison's Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG) website.

Find out more about adrenal insufficiency and steroid emergency cards for children on the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology website.

Blue steroid card

If you're using very high doses of beclometasone cream, your doctor or pharmacist may also give you a blue steroid treatment card.

The card is the size of a credit card and fits in your wallet or purse. It tells you how you can reduce the risks of side effects. It also gives details of your doctor, how much cream you use, and how long the treatment will last for.

If you need any medical or dental treatment, show your blue steroid card to the doctor or dentist.

Beclometasone skin cream does not affect any type of contraception including the combined pill and emergency contraception.

Beclometasone skin cream does not make you sleepy, so it's safe to drive or ride a bike when using this medicine.

But contact a doctor if you get any problems with your vision. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you have problems with your eyesight after using beclometasone.

Yes, you can drink alcohol while using beclometasone skin cream.

No. What you eat and drink does not affect this medicine.