Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Dosage
Beclometasone comes as a cream and ointment.
You'll usually use it once or twice a day. Use a thin layer on all the areas of your skin affected by the skin problem.
If you use it twice a day, try to leave a gap of 8 to 12 hours between doses.
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. This is called 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 babies and children, the right amount of cream depends on their age. A doctor or pharmacist can advise you.
When the skin starts to get better, you may be able to reduce the amount of cream or ointment you use.
How to apply cream or ointment
- Wash 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 into broken skin or cuts.
- Wash your hands afterwards (unless you're treating the skin on your hands).
Do not use beclometasone skin cream at the same time as any other creams or ointments, such as a moisturiser. Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other skin products after you put on beclometasone cream or ointment.
If you need to use a dressing, like a bandage or plaster, wait at least 10 minutes after putting on beclometasone.
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.
Important: Fire warning
Skin creams or ointments can dry onto your clothes and bedding. This makes them more likely to catch fire. Avoid naked flames and smoking.
How long to use it for
Most people only need to use beclometasone cream or ointment for a short time, usually for as long as a doctor recommends it.
For long-term skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, you may need to use the medicine for a few weeks, or sometimes longer.
If your skin condition is hard to control, your doctor may tell you to use beclometasone skin cream for up to 4 weeks.
Most people only need to use beclometasone skin cream for a short time. Use it for as long as your doctor has recommended. If your skin gets better sooner and you want to stop using it, check with your doctor first. They may tell you to use less of it gradually until you can stop using it.
If you stop using it too soon your condition may come back. If you have to restart treatment, this could increase how long you need to use it for and you're more likely to get side effects.
If you need treatment for a long time, your doctor may decide you need to use a milder cream or ointment.
If your doctor says you can use beclometasone on your face, then it's usually OK to use it for up to 5 days. Do not use it for longer than that unless your doctor tells you to.
Children can use beclometasone skin cream for up to 5 days.
If your skin gets worse or does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks (or 5 days for a child or when using it on your face), tell your doctor.
Once your skin gets better, your doctor may recommend using moisturisers to keep it from getting inflamed again.
Stopping beclometasone skin cream
Talk to your doctor before stopping treatment if you've been using beclometasone skin cream 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 beclometasone skin cream 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 the cream 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 beclometasone skin cream, do not start using it again without checking with your doctor.
If you forget to use it
If you forget to use your cream or ointment, do not worry. Use it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for you to apply it again. There should be a gap of 8 to 12 hours between doses if you use it twice a day.
In this case, skip the missed application and wait until you're due to apply it again.
Do not apply it 2 times to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you use too much
Using too much beclometasone is unlikely to harm you. But if you use too much on yourself, or a child, wash the area of affected skin carefully until all the cream has gone.
If you're worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.