What Is Betnovate Cream Used For?

What’s covered?

The Betnovate lotion or cream ointment is used for treating bacterial skin infections.

Whenever you get a skin infection or breakout, the doctor or pharmacist will recommend you to use a cream or ointment containing topical steroids. The ointments are oily semisolid products which are rubbed on the skin for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The Betnovate cream is one such commonly used product.

What is Betnovate cream ointment?

Betnovate cream is widely used for topical application. Its active ingredient betamethasone valerate (o.1% w/w) is a steroid that relieves pain by reducing oedema and inflammation associated with the infection. It is available in different packing from 20 to 100g. How can it be helpful? Does it have any side effects? Let's answer these questions.

This steroid cream should be used on prescription only.

How Betnovate can help?

The inflammation associated with any skin condition can cause a host of symptoms e.g., redness, pain, oedema and swelling. Betnovate Cream works by inhibiting the release of chemical mediators of inflammation that are responsible for these signs and symptoms. Your blood vessels widen and circulation in the inflamed area is improved.

Betnovate Cream is recommended to treat various symptoms associated with skin inflammation e.g., painful and itchy skin, redness and swelling without steroids as the first line of treatment. It is also used for perioral dermatitis and other skin diseases e.g., dermatitis, eczema, cold sores, contact dermatitis, psoriasis etc... You can also apply it to broken skin to reduce the chances of inflammation.

This cream can only be used after obtaining a prescription by consulting a doctor or pharmacist. Apply a thin layer of the ointment in the affected area and don't cover (unless advised by the doctor). Wash the area where the cream is to be applied thoroughly before application to increase its absorption.

Does it have any side effects?

Remember that the skin cells are sensitive. It is a prescription drug and should not be used without consulting a doctor. Common side effects reported are;

• Dryness at the application site

• Burning sensation

• Itching and redness

However, these effects are transient and disappear as your body starts adjusting to the medicine. However, if these reactions are severe, consult the doctor before continuing the use. It's for application on the skin and should not be applied on open wounds, inside the mouth, eyes and ears.

The long-term effects could be due to allergic reactions or some more severe skin disorder.

Bottom-line

Betnovate is a corticosteroid ointment that is recommended for a variety of skin infections. But, the use of corticosteroids can be risky so you should be cautious. Always remember that steroid medications are strictly prohibited for pregnant and breastfeeding women and also for infants. Moreover, the potent topical corticosteroids should not be used for more than 3 weeks. If you have any serious contraindications, ask the doctor who will prescribe other medicines for your skin problems.

For more information on Betnovate, click here. A full range of medications can be found on our Welzo Online Pharmacy Page.