- Topical corticosteroid cream used to treat eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
- Contains betamethasone valerate 0.025% w/w.
- Helps reduce inflammation, redness, and itching during flare-ups.
- Lighter formulation than standard Betnovate Cream for use on less severe inflammatory skin conditions.
- Suitable for short-term use.
Ointment
Cream
Buy Betnovate RD cream
Betnovate RD cream contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate 0.025% w/w, a topical corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation, redness and itching caused by certain inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
If you're living with an inflammatory skin condition, flare-ups can be uncomfortable, itchy and sometimes painful. Betnovate RD Cream helps calm the skin by reducing the inflammatory response that causes these symptoms, allowing your skin to begin healing while making everyday discomfort more manageable.
What is Betnovate RD cream used for?
Betnovate RD is suitable for treating a range of steroid-responsive skin conditions, and is often prescribed when a lower-strength form of betamethasone is appropriate. This can include:
- atopic eczema
- contact dermatitis
- seborrhoeic dermatitis
- discoid eczema
- psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis unless advised by a specialist)
By reducing inflammation, Betnovate RD can help relieve itching and irritation, making it easier for damaged skin to recover. It doesn't cure the underlying skin condition, but it helps manage flare-ups and control symptoms while the cream is being used.
Betnovate RD vs Betnovate
Betnovate RD contains a lower strength of betamethasone valerate than standard Betnovate cream, making it suitable for milder inflammatory skin conditions or for stepping down treatment once symptoms begin to improve.
Both products contain the same active ingredient, betamethasone valerate, but at different strengths.
- Betnovate RD cream contains 025% betamethasone valerate
- Betnovate cream contains 1% betamethasone valerate
Standard Betnovate cream is around four times stronger than Betnovate RD and is generally prescribed for more severe inflammation or stubborn flare-ups.
Your prescriber will recommend the most appropriate strength based on the severity of your symptoms, where the skin is affected, and how your skin responds to treatment. You shouldn't switch between strengths unless you've been advised to do so by your healthcare professional.
How does Betnovate RD cream work?
Betnovate RD cream works by reducing inflammation in the skin. It helps calm your body's immune response, relieving redness, swelling and itching so your skin has a chance to heal.
Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis occur when the immune system overreacts, leading to irritation and inflammation.
Betamethasone valerate belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. When applied to your skin, it reduces the release of the inflammatory chemicals responsible for redness, itching and swelling.
As inflammation settles, symptoms often become less noticeable. This can help you stop scratching those sensitive areas, scratching that can otherwise damage your skin further and delay healing.
Using moisturisers or emollients alongside Betnovate RD, can also help maintain your skin barrier and support long-term management of your condition.
How quickly does it work?
Many people notice an improvement in redness and itching within a few days of starting Betnovate RD cream. However, the exact time it takes to work depends on your skin condition and the severity of your symptoms.
For some people, itching begins to ease after the first few uses, while more inflamed skin may take longer to respond. To achieve the best results, continue using the cream exactly as directed, even if your symptoms begin improving quickly.
You shouldn't use Betnovate RD cream for longer than four weeks, unless instructed by your clinician.
How long does it last?
Every time you use Betnovate RD, it continues working after it has been absorbed into the skin, helping to control inflammation throughout the day. Most people only need to apply the cream once or twice a day, depending on their prescriber's instructions.
Topical corticosteroids are generally prescribed for short courses to control flare-ups while reducing the risk of side effects associated with prolonged use.
Your clinician will advise you how long to continue treatment. Don't continue using Betnovate RD for longer than recommended without medical advice, even if some symptoms remain.
Betnovate RD cream vs ointment
Betnovate RD Cream has a lighter, less greasy texture than ointments, making it suitable for moist or weeping skin and for areas where a cream is more comfortable to apply. Ointments are generally better suited to dry, thickened skin.
Creams contain more water than ointments, so they're often easier to spread and absorb more quickly. This makes them a popular choice for daytime use or for areas where a greasy residue may be inconvenient.
Ointments, meanwhile, contain a higher proportion of oils, helping to lock moisture into the skin. They may be preferred for chronic dry skin conditions or thick plaques where extra hydration is beneficial.
How to use Betnovate RD cream
Always use Betnovate RD Cream exactly as directed by your healthcare professional.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice a day, gently rubbing it into the skin until it has disappeared.
- Wash and dry your hands before and after applying the cream unless you're treating your hands.
- Only apply the cream to the areas affected by your skin condition. Using more than recommended won't make it work faster and may increase your risk of side effects.
If you're also using an emollient or moisturiser, allow time between applying each product so they can absorb properly.
Avoid covering the treated area with airtight dressings or bandages unless you've specifically been told to do so, as this can increase the amount of steroid absorbed through the skin.
If you forget to apply a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next application. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed dose.
Possible Betnovate RD side effects
Like all medicines, Betnovate RD Cream can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them. Most side effects are more likely to occur if the cream is used for longer than recommended, applied to large areas of skin or used under airtight dressings.
Common or local side effects may include:
- burning or stinging when the cream is first applied
- itching
- dryness or irritation at the application site
These effects are usually mild and often improve as your skin becomes used to the treatment.
Using topical corticosteroids for prolonged periods or on large areas of skin may increase the risk of side effects like:
- thinning of the skin
- stretch marks
- increased visibility of small blood vessels
- changes in skin colour
- excess hair growth at the application site
- worsening or masking of skin infections
Stop using Betnovate RD and seek urgent medical advice if you experience:
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- difficulty breathing or wheezing
- a severe skin rash or signs of a serious allergic reaction
- signs of a skin infection, like increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus or worsening pain
If you notice any side effects, including those not listed in the patient information leaflet, speak to your GP, pharmacist or another healthcare professional.
Who shouldn’t use Betnovate RD
Betnovate RD Cream isn't suitable for everyone. Do not use this medicine if you're allergic to betamethasone valerate or any of the other ingredients in the cream.
You should also avoid using Betnovate RD on:
- untreated bacterial, viral or fungal skin infections
- acne vulgaris
- rosacea
- perioral dermatitis
- Itchy skin that isn't inflamed
- the genital or anal area unless specifically prescribed
- the eyes or eyelids unless specifically instructed by your healthcare professional
Speak to your GP or pharmacist before using Betnovate RD if you:
- have psoriasis, as you'll need careful monitoring
- need to treat large areas of skin
- expect to use the cream for an extended period
- are treating delicate areas like the face or skin folds
- think your skin may be infected
Children are more likely to absorb topical corticosteroids through the skin, so Betnovate RD should only be used in children when recommended by a healthcare professional.
If your skin condition worsens, doesn't improve or shows signs of infection during treatment, stop using the cream and seek medical advice.
Storage information
Store Betnovate RD Cream below 25°C in its original packaging.
Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use and store it out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use the cream after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
If you have any unused or expired cream, return it to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not dispose of medicines in household waste or wastewater.
Alternatives to Betnovate cream
Betnovate RD Cream may not be the most suitable treatment for everyone. Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare professional may recommend a different strength, formulation or topical corticosteroid.
Alternative betamethasone products include:
- generic betamethasone valerate cream
- Betnovate cream 0.1%
- Betnovate ointment
- generic betamethasone valerate ointment
Other topical corticosteroids may also be appropriate depending on the severity and location of your skin condition. Your clinician can advise which option is most suitable for your individual needs.
Audavate RD cream vs Betnovate RD cream
While Audavate RD cream and Betnovate RD cream both contain betamethasone valerate 0.025%, Audavate has now been discontinued.
Frequently asked questions about Betnovate cream
Can you buy Betnovate RD cream over the counter?
No, Betnovate RD cream is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. This helps ensure it's used safely and appropriately for steroid-responsive skin conditions.
How strong is Betnovate RD?
Betnovate RD contains betamethasone valerate 0.025% w/w, making it a lower-strength version of standard Betnovate cream.
Although it contains a lower concentration of betamethasone than Betnovate Cream 0.1%, Betnovate RD is still an effective topical corticosteroid for treating many inflammatory skin conditions.
What is stronger, Eumovate or Betnovate?
Standard Betnovate cream is generally considered stronger than Eumovate cream. Betnovate RD contains a lower strength of betamethasone than standard Betnovate, so the most appropriate treatment depends on your individual condition and your healthcare professional's recommendation.
Eumovate contains clobetasone butyrate 0.05%, which is classed as a moderately potent topical corticosteroid.
Betnovate RD is designed for situations where a lower-strength betamethasone preparation is appropriate, while standard Betnovate provides a higher-strength option for more severe inflammation.
Sources
- Betnovate RD Cream 0.025% – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). (2025). EMC. [Accessed: 19 July 2026].
- Betnovate RD Cream 0.025% – Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). (2025). EMC. [Accessed: 19 July 2026].
- Topical corticosteroids. (2024). NHS. [Accessed: 19 July 2026].
- Eczema – atopic. (2024). NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. [Accessed: 19 July 2026].
- Psoriasis. (2024). NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. [Accessed: 19 July 2026].
Find similar products
Betnovate RD 0.025% - 100g Reviews
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 the difference between eczema and psoriasis?
Eczema and psoriasis are both common skin conditions that can easily be confused with each other.
The symptoms are similar and they can both appear in similar parts of the body.
The differences between these two conditions can be subtle.
Eczema causes red, inflamed skin that is usually extremely itchy.
Psoriasis usually causes well-defined patches of redness and the skin is thicker and more inflamed than with eczema, with more of a burning sensation than just an itch.
Eczema usually appears on parts of the body that bend, like the inner elbow, behind the knees, wrists, ankles, or on your neck.
Psoriasis often shows up on the palms of your hands, your elbows, knees, scalp, face, lower back, or on the soles of the feet.
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.
