Betamethasone

What it is used for

Topical corticosteroids are indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

How to take it

Apply a thin film of betamethasone dipropionate cream to the affected skin areas once daily. In some cases, twice daily dosage may be necessary.

If an infection develops, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instituted.

Betamethasone dipropionate products should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Side effects, and when to stop

The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently when betamethasone dipropionate products are used as recommended in the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infections, skin atrophy, striae and miliaria.

Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia and glucosuria in some patients.

Who should not take it

Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.