Betnovate Ointment 0.1%
Available in multiple pack sizes
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Betnovate ointment is a treatment for dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It reduces the swelling, inflammation and irritation that flare-ups of these skin conditions can cause, helping you to feel more comfortable in your own skin and break the itch-scratch cycle. If you need a reliable treatment for your itchy, dry skin, Betnovate ointment could be the perfect remedy for you.
How Betnovate ointment works
Betnovate ointment uses the active ingredient betamethasone, which is a type of medicine known as a steroid. Steroids work by reducing inflammation, which is a common symptom of dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. This helps to reduce itching, redness and swelling in the areas affected by your condition, reducing your urge to itch the area and giving it the opportunity to heal.
Directions
Before applying Betnovate ointment you should wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area of the skin and gently rub it in until it has all disappeared. Wash your hands again after applying the ointment, unless you are applying it to your hands. Apply once or twice a day, as recommended by your prescriber.
Dosage
You can measure the amount of ointment you will need with your fingertip. An adult usually needs the following amounts of ointment to treat dry skin conditions:
- Face and neck - 2 and a half fingertip units
- Back - 7 fingertip units
- Front - 7 fingertip units
- One arm (not including the hand) - 3 fingertip units
- Both sides of one hand - 1 fingertip unit
- One leg (not including the foot) - 6 fingertip units
- One foot - 2 fingertip units
If you are treating a child between the ages of 1 and 10 you will need to use less ointment. Please see the patient information leaflet or speak to your prescriber for more information about the amount of ointment you would need for your child.
Side effects
Like all medications, Betnovate ointment can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The most common side effects of this medication include:
- Burning, pain, itching, or irritation where the ointment was applied
- An increased risk of infection
- An allergic skin reaction where the ointment was applied
- A rash, itchy bumpy skin, or redness of the skin
- Thinning or dryness of the skin, it may also damage or wrinkle more easily
- Stretch marks
- Blood vessels under the surface of the skin becoming more noticeable
- An increase or reduction in hair growth, or hair loss and a change in skin colour
- Weight gain, rounding of the face
- Delayed weight gain or slowing growth in children
- Bones becoming thin, weak, and easily breakable
- Cataracts or glaucoma
- A decrease in the level of the hormone cortisol in your blood
- Increased blood sugar levels or sugar levels in the urine
- High blood pressure
For a complete list of potential side effects of this treatment please see the patient information leaflet included with your medication.
Serious side effects
If you notice any of the following serious side effects while using Betnovate ointment you should stop using this product and speak to a doctor immediately:
- Worsening of your skin condition
- A generalised rash
- Swelling of the skin
- Symptoms of pustular psoriasis in psoriasis patients, including raised red bumps with pus under the skin
Warnings
Betnovate ointment can cause a fire hazard when it dries on fabrics, including bedding, clothing, and bandages. Take care to stay away from naked flames and heat sources while using this product, as you may be at risk of severe or even fatal burns.
Do not use this product if you are allergic to betamethasone or any of the other ingredients listed.
You should not use Betnovate to treat any of the following skin problems;
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Perioral dermatitis (a spotty, red rash around the mouth)
- Itching around your anus or genitals
- Skin infections that are not being treated with an anti-infective medication at the same time
- Itchy skin which is not inflamed
Age restrictions
Betnovate ointment is not suitable for use in children under 1 year of age. If your young child has eczema or psoriasis that needs treatment you should speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare team.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Betnovate ointment. You should not use this treatment on your breast area before breastfeeding your infant.
