Betnovate 0.1% Scalp Application

Eczema Doctor Service

Betnovate Scalp Application (liquid lotion) is an anti-inflammatory steroid and it is a short term treatment of skin conditions including eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis on the scalp.

This liquid lotion contains a medicine called Betamethasone Valerate. It belongs to a group of medicines called steroids that help to reduce swelling and irritation.
Betnovate is used to help reduce the redness and itchiness of certain scalp problems, such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

You can order Betnovate online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. To see if you are suitable for this treatment, complete the online assessment and checkout. Our UK registered doctors will review the order and after approval pass the prescription to the Pharmacy team. We will then dispense and dispatch your order to your chosen address.

Betamethasone scalp lotion (scalp application) you will usually use the lotion twice a day. You can use it once a day or less often when your condition improves.

About Eczema

Eczema or psoriasis are common dry skin conditions that can become uncomfortable and itchy. These skin conditions can occur anywhere on the body, even on the scalp. There are treatments available to help alleviate unwanted symptoms.

Betnovate is a scalp application liquid containing betamethasone. This steroid lotion can help to relieve inflammation, itching and redness of eczema and psoriasis in the scalp.

• Lotion based medication for a dry/flaky/scaly scalp brought on by eczema or psoriasis 
• Steroid based treatment to help reduce inflammation and discomfort
• Generic version is Betacap

Treatments

Treatments for atopic eczema can help to ease the symptoms.  The main treatments for atopic eczema are:

• emollients (moisturisers) – used every day to stop the skin becoming dry
• topical corticosteroids – creams and ointments used to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups.

Other Treatments Include:

• topical pimecrolimus or tacrolimus for eczema in sensitive sites not responding to simpler treatment
• antihistamines for severe itching
• bandages or special body suits to allow the body to heal underneath
• more powerful treatments offered by a dermatologist (skin specialist)

More About Managing Eczema & Dermatitis

Skin specialists often advise people with eczema or dermatitis to use emollient (moisturising) skin products, including creams and bath oils, to keep moisture in the skin. This can make your skin more resistant to flare-ups. Avoid using soap and heavily scented products.
If a rash comes back

Sometimes people with dermatitis find their rash soon comes back after treatment, or never disappears completely. This is often because they are still in contact with their trigger i.e. what causes the reaction. If you can’t work out what’s wrong, ask your doctor for advice.

This steroid comes in different forms. All three formulations (Betnovate cream, Ointment, and Scalp Application) contain 0.1% betamethasone valerate.

• Betnovate 0.1% Cream
• Betnovate 0.1% Ointment
• Betnovate 0.1% Scalp Application

Alternative scalp pplication is available called Elocon 0.1% Scalp Lotion 30ml.

About topical corticosteroids

If your skin is sore and inflamed, a GP may prescribe a topical corticosteroid (applied directly to your skin), which can reduce the inflammation within a few days.

Topical corticosteroids can be prescribed in different strengths, depending on the severity of your atopic eczema and the areas of skin affected.

They can be:

• very mild (such as hydrocortisone)
• moderate (such as betamethasone valerate and clobetasone butyrate)
• strong (such as a higher dose of betamethasone valerate and betamethasone dipropionate)
• very strong (such as clobetasol propionate and diflucortolone valerate).

If you need to use corticosteroids frequently, see a GP regularly so they can check the treatment is working effectively and you're using the right amount.

How to reduce the damage from scratching

Eczema is often itchy, and it can be very tempting to scratch the affected areas of skin. But scratching usually damages the skin, which can itself cause more eczema to occur. The skin eventually thickens into leathery areas as a result of chronic scratching. Deep scratching also causes bleeding and increases the risk of your skin becoming infected or scarred.

Try to reduce scratching whenever possible. You could try gently rubbing your skin with your fingers instead. If your baby has atopic eczema, anti-scratch mittens may stop them scratching their skin.

• Keep your nails short and clean to minimise damage to the skin from unintentional scratching.
• Keep your skin covered with light clothing to reduce damage from habitual scratching.

Avoid triggers

A GP will work with you to establish what might trigger the eczema flare-ups, although it may get better or worse for no obvious reason.

Once you know your triggers, you can try to avoid them. 

For example:

• if certain fabrics irritate your skin, avoid wearing these and stick to soft, fine-weave clothing or natural materials such as cotton
• if heat aggravates your eczema, keep the rooms in your home cool, especially the bedroom
• avoid using soaps or detergents that may affect your skin – use soap substitutes instead.

Common triggers

• Jewellery including earrings or studs  (especially gold-plated earrings)
• Coins
• Watch buckles, metal straps or the metal back of a watch
• Metal studs or fastenings on jeans, bras or underwear.

All of these have a metal in them called nickel, which is a very common trigger. If you react badly to nickel, all of the triggers in the list could be a problem. So if you’ve reacted badly to one of the common triggers, you’ll need to watch out for the other common triggers.

Other common triggers

Triggers include rubber and pine tree sap, which are used in all sorts of items we touch every day. You might find triggers:

In the home: such as plasters, furniture polish, varnishes, rubber gloves or elastic in clothes.

In substances you use at work: such as glues, oils, lubricants or cement.

In the garden: certain plants and weeds, gardening gloves.

Although some people with eczema are allergic to house dust mites, trying to rid your home of them is not recommended as it can be difficult and there's no clear evidence that it helps.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects although not everybody gets them.

Possible side effects

Stop using Betnovate and tell your doctor immediately if:

• you find that your skin condition gets worse, you develop a generalised rash or your skin becomes swollen during treatment. You may be allergic to Betnovate, have an infection or need other treatment.
• you have psoriasis and get raised bumps with pus under the skin. This can happen very rarely during or after treatment and is known as pustular psoriasis.

Other side effects you may notice when using Betnovate include:

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• a feeling of burning, pain, irritation or itching where the liquid is applied.

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

• an increased risk of infection
• an allergic skin reaction where the liquid is applied
• rash, itchy bumpy skin or redness of the skin
• thinning and dryness of your skin and it may also damage or wrinkle more easily
• stretch marks may develop
• veins under the surface of your skin may become more noticeable
• an increase or reduction in hair growth or hair loss and changes in skin colour
• weight gain, rounding of the face
• delayed weight gain or slowing of growth in children
• bones can become thin, weak and break easily
• cloudy lens in the eye (cataract) or increased pressure in eye (glaucoma)
• increased blood sugar levels or sugar in the urine
• high blood pressure

Not Known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)

• blurred vision

For a full list of side effects, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, our Rightdose pharmacists or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

You can help to make medicines safer by reporting any side-effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

Patient Information Leaflet Betnovate 1% Scalp Application 100ml

Other medicines and Betnovate
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicine, especially if you are taking Ritonavir and Itraconazole medications.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding and fertility
If you are pregnant or are breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

How to store Betnovate

• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle label or carton after (Exp). The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Do not store above 25°C.
• Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Contents are flammable. Keep Betnovate Scalp Application away from all sources of fire, flame and heat.
• Do not leave Betnovate Scalp Application in direct sunlight.
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

How to use Betnovate

For external use only. 

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

You will usually use Betnovate lotion twice a day. You can use it once a day or less often when your condition improves.

• Do not use Betnovate more often than prescribed.
• Do not use it for a long time (such as every day for many weeks or months) - unless your doctor tells you to.
• Be very careful not to get the liquid in your eyes. Do not touch your eyes until you have washed your hands.
• If you wash or shampoo your hair it should be dried before applying the liquid.
• Do not dry your hair with a hairdryer.
• If you are applying Betnovate on someone else make sure you wash your hands after use or wear disposable plastic gloves.

Directions:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Unscrew the bottle cap and place the nozzle on the scalp that needs treating.
3. Gently squeeze the bottle to cover the area with a thin and even layer of liquid.
4. You can rub this liquid in, but you don’t have to.
5. Your scalp will feel cool until the liquid has dried.
6. Wash your hands again.

It is important not to exceed the prescribed amount.

Children

• Do not use it on children under 1 year of age.
• It is especially important in children not to exceed the prescribed amount.
• A course of treatment for a child should not normally last more than 5 days - unless your doctor has told you to use it for longer.

If you use more Betnovate than you should
If you apply too much or if accidentally swallowed, it could make you ill. Talk to your doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible.

If you forget to use Betnovate
If you forget to apply Betnovate, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time you are next meant to apply it you can wait until this time.

If you stop using Betnovate
If you use Betnovate regularly make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it as your condition may get worse if stopped suddenly.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Betnovate:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to betamethasone valerate or any of the other ingredients of Betnovate 
• if you have a skin infection on your scalp
• on a child under 1 year.

Do not use Betnovate if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Betnovate.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you use this medicine if:
you have previously had an allergic reaction with another steroid

• you are applying the liquid under an airtight dressing. These dressings make it easier for the active ingredient to pass through the skin. It is possible to accidentally end up using too much
• you have psoriasis, your doctor will want to see you more often
• you are applying the liquid to broken skin or within the skin folds
• you are applying to a large surface area
• you are applying to thin skin or on children as their skin is thinner than adults and as a result may absorb larger amounts.

Dressing or bandages should not be used on children where the scalp application is applied. Use on children should be limited to 5 days.

Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

This product is flammable. Keep the liquid away from open fires and flames and all sources of ignition including smoking during application and immediately after use.

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

What Betnovate Scalp Application contains

The active ingredient is betamethasone valerate. Each 10 ml contains 0.01 ml of betamethasone (0.1 % w/w) as valerate.

The other ingredients are carbomer, isopropyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide and purified water.

What Betnovate looks like and contents of the pack

Within each carton is a specially designed plastic bottle with a nozzle and cap that contains 100 ml of a sticky liquid.