GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Betnovate Ointment is a corticosteroid medication used in the treatment of conditions affecting the skin like psoriasis and dermatitis, and works to reduce the redness and itching. '.

If you think Betnovate Ointment is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Betnovate Ointment is a prescription medicine that contains betamethasone valerate 0.1%. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is applied topically to relieve skin inflammation and itching associated with severe forms of inflammatory skin conditions such as:

• Atopic eczema
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Irritant contact dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Thick skin rash due to excessive scratching to relieve itching
• An eruption of hard nodules on the skin with intense itching
• Discoid lupus erythematosus
• Erythroderma characterized by intense and widespread reddening of the skin
• Severe reactions to insect stings and bites

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Betnovate Ointment patient information leaflet.

Betamethasone (0.1%), a topical corticosteroid, is the active ingredient in Betnovate Ointment. Betnovate is applied directly to the skin to provide relief. Allergic reaction or over-sensitivity of the skin is the usual cause of skin inflammation. Betnovate works by acting inside the skin cells to reduce the release of chemicals that cause inflammation. This results in the reduction of the swelling, itching, and redness, which help prevent scratching that can further irritate the skin.

Betnovate cream is suitable for moist and weeping areas of the skin. The thicker and greasy ointment is suited for scaly, dry areas of the skin. Betnovate lotion is suitable for hairy areas of the skin because it easily spreads.

Betnovate Ointment works where lesser treatments are ineffective. Betamethasone is effective in reducing the release of inflammatory substances by the immune system, which results in a decrease of the swelling and redness.

Follow strictly the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Betnovate Ointment for your medical condition. Also, read and follow the patient information leaflet that comes with your order of the medication.

Betnovate ointment, should be applied evenly and thinly to the affected areas of the skin once or twice a day when you start your treatment course. Betnovate should be used less frequently as soon as the condition begins to improve, or as directed by your doctor.

Do not apply Betnovate Ointment to infected or broken areas of the skin, unless you are also treating the infection. Don’t apply Betnovate to the facial skin unless your doctor instructs you.  Do not apply Betnovate around the eyes or eyelids.

Avoid getting Betnovate cream, or ointment in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If accidental application occurs, immediately rinse with cold water.

Thoroughly wash your hands before you start after you applied the medication, unless your hands are being treated.

Do not use airtight dressings to cover the area being treated, unless your doctor instructed you to do so. Airtight dressings or bandages will increase the body to absorb more of the medicine, increasing the possibility of side effects. If you are going to use Betnovate Ointment under dressings as instructed by your doctor, cleanse the skin before the application of Betnovate before applying the medicine under a fresh dressing. Nappies and waterproof pants can act as airtight dressing and increase the body’s absorption of the medicine.

Betnovate lotion is flammable. Do not apply it near naked flames or lit objects. Do not smoke while applying the lotion.

You should continue applying Betnovate Ointment for as long as what your doctor recommended. Betnovate should not be used for more than once or twice a week at a time when using on a child.

Discontinue the use of the medicine if your skin condition does not improve after two weeks of treatment. Consult your doctor immediately.

Do not use Betnovate Ointment longer than what is recommended by your doctor.

If the area of the skin being treated with Betnovate Ointment becomes infection, stop the treatment and see your doctor.

Important things about Betnovate Ointment

Betnovate cream, lotion, or ointment is not for everybody. Betnovate should not be applied to children under one year of age.

Do not apply Betnovate Ointment to broken skin or open wounds, or skin areas affected by the following conditions:

• Viral infections of the skin, such as herpes simplex, cold sores, and chickenpox
• Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm
• Acne
• Bacterial infection
• Acne rosacea
• Perioral dermatitis or inflammatory rash around the mouth
• Widespread plaque psoriasis
• Nappy rash
• Itchy skin with no inflammation

Do not use Betnovate if you are allergic to its ingredients. Do not use Betnovate cream, or ointment as a moisturizer.

Betnovate Ointment dosage

Betnovate lotion is used for the treatment of hairy areas of the skin or when a large area of the skin requires a minimal application. Betnovate cream is used for weeping and moist surfaces. Betnovate ointment is used for scaly, dry, lichenified lesions.

Apply Betnovate thinly and rub gently using only enough amounts to cover the entire area of the skin that is affected once or twice a day for up to four weeks until improvements are observed. The frequency of the application should be reduced or changed to a less potent preparation after the fourth week.

The side effects of Betnovate Ointment can affect individuals in different ways. Everyone who uses this medicine may not experience the side effects.

The following are the common side effects associated with the use of topical corticosteroids like Betnovate:

• Spread or worsening of untreated infections.
• Skin irritation or allergic inflammation of the skin. Stop using Betnovate when you experience a reaction on your skin or if your condition gets worse.
• Thinning of the skin.
• Stretch marks.
• Reduced pigmentation of the skin.
• Groupings of fine blood vessels becomes prominent under the skin
• Acne
• Excessive hair growth

On rare occasions, the use of Betnovate may cause side effects on the other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. Some people may also experience changes in their vision while using Betnovate. When you experience any change in your vision, see your doctor immediately.

Betnovate Ointment is safe to use by men and women over the age of 18. It is also used for the treatment of haemorrhoids. However, Betnovate should not be used for haemorrhoids by the following:

• Those that suffer from kidney or liver problems
• Those that have severe acne or rosacea
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Those who are allergic to Betnovate’s active ingredient – betamethasone.

Betnovate Ointment is not known to affect the effectiveness of other medicines. It is important, however, that you tell your doctor about the other medications you are taking or using before you start applying this medication.

If you are using other topical medications on the same area of the skin, it is recommended that you leave several minutes between the applications of each product. This will allow each product time to be fully absorbed by the skin and to avoid them getting mixed on the skin, which could affect the effectiveness of each.

If you apply a moisturizer shortly before or after you apply this medicine, it could dilute the corticosteroid and make it less effective. Try to apply your moisturizers at a different time of the day, or at least 30 minutes before or after you apply Betnovate Scalp Application.

You can safely buy Betnovate Cream Ointment online at UK Meds. You will need to have first an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Betnovate Ointment is the right medication for your medical condition.

Yes, you can get Betnovate Ointment on a subscription from UK Meds. By getting your medication on a subscription you can rest assured that you will get it when you need it, whilst also saving money. It’s a win-win!