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Buy Betnovate cream
Betnovate cream contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate 0.1%, a potent topical corticosteroid (also known as a steroid) that helps to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching caused by certain skin conditions.
This cream is prescription-only, meaning you'll need to complete a quick and easy online consultation to ensure it's safe and suitable for you.
What is Betnovate cream used for?
Betnovate cream is commonly prescribed to help manage inflammatory skin conditions, like:
However, Betnovate cream isn't suitable for every skin condition. Using it on the wrong type of skin problem could make your symptoms worse.
If you're unsure whether Betnovate is suitable for your skin condition, speak to your doctor or one of our clinicians for advice.
We have a wide range of treatments available to help manage different skin conditions, and they can recommend the right option for your symptoms.
How does Betnovate cream work?
The active ingredient, betamethasone valerate, belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. When applied to the skin, it helps to reduce inflammation, irritation, and itching, making flare-ups more manageable, while also allowing your skin time to heal.
How long does Betnovate take to work?
The time it takes to see an improvement can vary depending on your skin condition and how severe your symptoms are.
Use Betnovate for the length of time recommended by your prescriber. If your symptoms haven't improved after 2-4 weeks, speak to your doctor or one of our clinicians for advice.
Betnovate cream vs Betnovate ointment
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Betnovate cream |
||
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Formula |
Water-based and lightweight. |
Oil-based, thicker and greasier. |
|
Best suited for |
Moist, weeping, or oozing areas of skin. |
Very dry, thick, scaly, or hardened areas of skin. |
|
Feel on skin |
Absorbs quickly and leaves less of a greasy residue. |
Creates a heavier barrier that helps keep moisture in the skin. |
|
When to use |
Often preferred during the day or on areas like the hands and arms. |
Often preferred at night or on areas where a thicker layer is needed. |
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Availability |
Prescription-only. |
Prescription-only. |
How to apply Betnovate cream
Always use Betnovate cream exactly as your doctor, pharmacist, or prescriber has advised. While Betnovate may be suitable for both adults and children (over the age of one), we're only able to prescribe to those aged 18 and over from our clinic.
It's often used as a short-term treatment for inflammatory skin conditions that haven't responded well to milder treatments.
Here's how to use Betnovate:
- 1. Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice a day.
- 2. Gently rub the cream into the skin until it's absorbed.
- 3. Wash your hands after applying the cream unless you're treating your hands.
If your symptoms come back shortly after stopping treatment, don't restart using the cream without consulting your prescriber first.
Benefits of Betnovate cream
- Helps calm redness, swelling, and skin irritation.
- Relieves itching and discomfort caused by inflamed skin.
- Helps control flare-ups of conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
- Provides targeted treatment that can be applied directly to affected areas of skin.
Betnovate side effects
Like all medicines, Betnovate cream can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects may include:
- burning at the application site
- irritation
- itching
- pain where the cream is applied
If your symptoms get worse or any side effects worry you, speak to your prescriber for advice.
Who shouldn't use Betnovate
Betnovate cream isn't suitable for everyone. Don't use Betnovate cream if you:
- are allergic to betamethasone valerate or any of the other listed ingredients
- have acne
- have rosacea, including severe flushing of the skin around your nose
- have perioral dermatitis, which causes a red, spotty rash around your mouth
- have itching around your back passage or private parts
- have an untreated skin infection, unless you're also using a medicine to treat the infection
- have itchy skin that isn't inflamed
Always tell your prescriber about any medications you're taking or using before using Betnovate, especially ritonavir and itraconazole.
Storage information
- Store below 25°C.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Don't use after the expiry date.
- This product is flammable; don’t smoke or go near naked flames while using. Fabric that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard.
Alternatives to Betnovate cream
Here are some good alternatives if Betnovate cream isn't suitable for you:
- Betnovate ointment: Contains the same active ingredient as Betnovate cream, but has a thicker, greasier formula that might be better suited for very dry, thickened, or scaly areas of skin.
- Betnovate RD 0.025% cream: While still prescription-only, this cream contains a lower strength than Betnovate 0.1%. It may be suitable for milder inflammatory skin conditions or for stepping down once symptoms improve.
- Betamethasone cream: A generic or unbranded alternative to Betnovate cream that contains the same active ingredient and works in the same way to help reduce inflammation, redness, and itching.
- Hydrocortisone cream: Contains a milder corticosteroid and is often used for less severe skin problems. It may be recommended when a lower strength treatment is more suitable.
Frequently asked questions about Betnovate cream
Can I buy Betnovate cream over-the-counter?
Betnovate cream is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and can't be bought over-the-counter. To see if it's right for you, complete an online consultation with us and one of our expert clinicians can check if it's safe and suitable.
Can I use Betnovate cream on my face?
You should only use Betnovate cream on your face if your doctor or prescriber has specifically advised you to. Facial skin is more sensitive and may be more likely to develop a reaction from strong corticosteroids like this one.
Can I use moisturiser with Betnovate cream?
You can usually use moisturisers alongside Betnovate cream, but leave enough time between applying different products so the treatment can absorb properly. Follow your prescriber's advice on how to use other skincare products with Betnovate.
Can I use Betnovate cream long-term?
Betnovate should only be used for as long as your prescriber recommends. Using potent corticosteroids for longer than advised can increase the risk of side effects.
Does Betnovate cream contain steroids?
Betnovate contains betamethasone valerate, a corticosteroid (steroid) that reduces inflammation in the skin. Corticosteroids are different from the anabolic steroids sometimes used to build muscle or enhance athletic performance.
Sources
- Patient information leaflet. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). [Accessed 3rd August 2026]
Find similar products
Can I use this steroid cream on my scalp?
You can use Betnovate cream on your scalp, however, there is another Betnovate treatment which is designed to be used on the scalp.
This product is called Betnovate Scalp Application and it’s a liquid, which is much easier to apply to the scalp than a cream or ointment.
If you’re suffering from inflamed skin on your scalp, your doctor may recommend the scalp application instead of this cream to help you get the most out of your betamethasone treatment.
What is Betnovate used for?
Betnovate cream is used to relieve inflammation in your skin, easing symptoms like itching, swelling, redness, and irritation.
It can be used for dry skin conditions, including eczema, atopic dermatitis (also known as contact dermatitis), and psoriasis.
It’s often used when over the counter eczema treatments haven’t worked to ease your condition or if your skin is particularly inflamed and a stronger treatment is needed.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes patches of skin to become dry, flaky, irritated and cracked.
It usually affects the front and back of knees and elbows, but it can occur on any part of the body.
Eczema tends to first occur in childhood and is a long-term skin condition that can cause discomfort, but some people find that they grow out of it as they get older.
Certain irritants and germs can cause symptoms of eczema to worsen, so it is essential that you keep your skin clean and hydrated.
There is no cure for eczema, but there are several steps you can take to help manage your skin:
- Moisturise your skin - use moisturisers, ointments or lotions that contain emollients to lock in moisture, prevent your skin from drying out and reducing the need to itch
- Avoid itching - itching the skin can cause germs to infect the skin, making symptoms worse
- Avoid long, hot showers/baths - hot water dries out the skin
- Use a soap substitute - harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural moisture which can exacerbate symptoms of eczema
- Use an emollient bath oil - it will prevent your skin from drying out in bathing and can help to manage symptoms of eczema
If your eczema is severe speak to your doctor, who can prescribe a suitable treatment.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a dry skin condition which is similar to eczema in a lot of ways but causes slightly different symptoms.
When you have a flare-up of psoriasis you’ll experience red, flaky, irritated skin which is covered in silvery scales.
Psoriasis causes an increase in the production of your skin cells, and this build-up is what causes the silvery scales that are a tell-tale sign of this condition.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition which does not currently have a cure, but it can be managed with treatments like Betnovate, other topical steroids, and vitamin D.
Do I need a prescription for this medication?
You do need a prescription for this medication in the UK.
Our healthcare professionals can provide prescriptions if they think this treatment would be right for you and your condition.
When you click the button which reads “Start Consultation” at the top of this page, you’ll see a short questionnaire set up by our healthcare team which is designed to help them understand your medical needs.
Just like an in-person consultation with your GP, our doctors will assess your answers to their questions and write a prescription for the treatment they think will be best for you.
You’ll then be able to pay for your medication and we’ll send it out to you quickly and in discreet packaging.
Betnovate Cream 0.1% - 30g Reviews
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