betamethasone valerate at a glance
Medicine class
Potent topical corticosteroid.
Main role
Relieves inflammatory and itchy steroid-responsive conditions, including eczema, dermatitis and some forms of psoriasis.
Application
For prescribed affected skin or scalp only. Wash hands afterwards unless treating them.
What is betamethasone valerate used for?
UK products are licensed for inflammatory skin or scalp conditions that respond to topical corticosteroids.
Betnovate Lotion: inflammatory and itchy dermatoses, including eczema, contact and seborrhoeic dermatitis, prurigo nodularis, lichen planus, discoid lupus erythematosus, insect-bite reactions and psoriasis other than widespread plaque psoriasis.
Betnovate RD cream and ointment: maintenance after an acute episode has responded to standard betamethasone valerate.
Betnovate Scalp Application: steroid-responsive scalp disease, including psoriasis, seborrhoeic capitis and inflammation associated with severe dandruff.
Bettamousse: steroid-responsive scalp dermatoses such as psoriasis.
How does betamethasone valerate work?
It changes inflammatory signalling in skin cells, reducing inflammation, itching and widening of small blood vessels.
betamethasone valerate preparations and strengths
Cutaneous foam
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1 mg/g, 0.1%
How to take betamethasone valerate
For external use only. Use on the prescribed affected area and wash your hands afterwards unless treating them. Avoid the eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, cuts and open wounds. For Bettamousse, shake the can, hold it upside down, dispense onto a clean surface rather than warm hands, then massage into the affected scalp. Do not use a covering or dressing unless specifically directed.
Cream suits moist or weeping skin.
Ointment suits dry, thickened or scaly skin.
Lotion is useful for hairy areas or light application over a larger area.
Scalp application and foam are designed for affected scalp areas.
Keep flammable preparations and treated fabrics away from smoking, flames, heat and hairdryers.
betamethasone valerate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Brief burning, stinging or local pain.
- Itching at the application site.
- Skin-colour changes.
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening infection, including increasing redness, swelling or weeping.
- Pus-filled bumps during psoriasis treatment.
- Skin thinning, stretch marks or prominent small blood vessels.
- Blurred vision or other eyesight changes.
- Rare systemic effects, including adrenal suppression, raised blood glucose or Cushingoid features.
- Rare serious allergic reaction.
- Withdrawal reaction with burning, marked colour change, peeling or oozing that may spread beyond the treated area.
betamethasone valerate in pregnancy
Topical betamethasone can be used during pregnancy because systemic absorption is usually small. However, pregnancy data are limited, so product information advises a prescriber-led benefit–risk assessment, particularly where absorption could be increased. Exposure does not usually require additional fetal monitoring solely because of topical corticosteroid use.
betamethasone valerate while breastfeeding
Topical betamethasone is generally compatible with breastfeeding because maternal and milk exposure should be negligible. Prevent the infant touching treated skin and wash hands after application. If breast treatment is necessary, specialist UK advice prefers a milder preparation where suitable; remove the product with warm water before feeding. Additional assessment may be needed for premature or unwell infants or extensive maternal treatment.
betamethasone valerate interactions
Interactions are uncommon with correctly used topical treatment, but systemic exposure can increase in some circumstances.
Ritonavir or cobicistat
May reduce corticosteroid metabolism and increase the risk of systemic steroid effects.
Itraconazole and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
May reduce corticosteroid metabolism and increase systemic exposure, especially when skin absorption is increased.
Common questions about betamethasone valerate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is betamethasone valerate a strong steroid?
Most skin and scalp products are classed as potent topical corticosteroids.
Can it be used on the face?
Only when specifically directed by a prescriber. Facial skin is more susceptible to local adverse effects, and the medicine must be kept away from the eyes.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.