Common questions about betamethasone for skin - Brand names: Betnovate, Betacap

Betamethasone is a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). Steroids help to reduce 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 your blood vessels widen and your irritated skin becomes swollen, itchy, painful and may look red.

Betamethasone skin treatments work inside your skin's cells to stop these chemicals being released. This reduces any swelling, redness and itching.

Your skin should start to get better after using betamethasone for a few days.

If you're using cream, ointment or lotion, speak to your doctor if there's no improvement after 4 weeks, or if your skin gets worse at any time.

Ask your doctor how long it should take to show an improvement if you're using the scalp foam or using betamethasone on your face. They'll tell you what to do if it does not work.

Using betamethasone 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 betamethasone for. It may cover a larger area than the area you were treating.

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

There are a range of skin treatments available that contain different steroids.

Some steroids are stronger than others. Steroids are labelled as:

• mild
• moderate
• potent
• very potent

Most betamethasone skin treatments are potent.

Your doctor will choose a steroid skin treatment for you based on the strength you need to treat your condition. A mild or moderate strength treatment is used for most skin conditions.

Potent skin treatments are usually used for short periods of time for severe skin conditions. You'll usually have tried a lower strength steroid skin treatment first before you try betamethasone.

The stronger (or more potent) the steroid is, the better it will work. However, with stronger steroids there's also more risk of side effects. All steroids have the same side effects but you're less likely to get them with milder steroid skin products.

Do not use betamethasone skin products on your face unless a doctor has told you to.

The skin on your face is delicate, so if betamethasone skin treatments thin the skin or damage it, it's particularly noticeable.

If your doctor says you can use betamethasone on your face, follow their instructions carefully.

Do not put betamethasone near your eyes or on your eyelids.

Steroids like betamethasone reduce inflammation in your skin to help manage your symptoms. They do not cure the eczema.

If you feel your symptoms are getting worse after using betamethasone for 1 week, it's important to tell a doctor.

When you stop using betamethasone skin treatments, 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. Do this over 2 to 4 weeks before stopping it completely. It will be especially important to reduce your dose in this way if you've been using betamethasone for a long time.

Steroid emergency card (red card)

If you're using large amounts of steroid medicines such as betamethasone 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 nasal spray and a steroid inhaler).

Your doctor or pharmacist will assess your risk of adrenal insufficiency based on the type and dose of steroids you're taking and may recommend that you carry a steroid emergency card (red card). This card is the size of a credit card and fits in your wallet or purse.

The Addison's Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG) website has more information about the NHS steroid emergency card.

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

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

Betamethasone does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.

Betamethasone does not make you sleepy so it's safe to drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery when using this medicine.

Yes, you can drink alcohol while using betamethasone.

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