Where should I avoid using betamethasone?
Avoid using Betamethasone in the genital or rectal areas, or armpits unless your doctor has advised otherwise. Do not use betamethasone to treat any other condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Because betamethasone is a medium-to-high range potency corticosteroid it is not usually recommended for use on the face; however, if a skin specialist has prescribed it for you to use on your face, follow their instructions carefully. Do not use betamethasone near your eyes or mouth. If it does get in your eyes or mouth, flush them immediately with water.
If you have a leg ulcer, applying betamethasone around the edges of the ulcer may increase the risk of an allergic reaction or an infection.
Do not cover betamethasone that has been applied to your skin with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor has told you to do so as this will increase the absorption of the preparation and may increase side effects.
Betamethasone is usually only prescribed for conditions such as moderate-to-severe eczema and psoriasis. For other conditions, such as mild eczema, irritant dermatitis, or dermatitis on the face, lower potency steroids, such as hydrocortisone, are usually preferred.
Always only apply a small amount of betamethasone and massage it gently into the affected area. Follow your doctor’s instructions, and do not exceed their recommended dose. Betamethasone is usually only applied for a period of one to two weeks, no more. Wash your hands after applying betamethasone to ensure you do not inadvertently transfer it to your face, eyes, or mouth.
Some preparations of betamethasone may stain clothing.
Most preparations of betamethasone are not recommended for children younger than 12 years and betamethasone spray should not be used in patients younger than 18 years.
Betamethasone foam should not be used near an open flame or high heat because it may catch fire. If you are a smoker, do not smoke until the foam has completely dried on your skin.
Topical corticosteroids should not be applied in large amounts or for extended periods of time to pregnant women and should only be used for the shortest possible time during breastfeeding. There is no data on the effects of betamethasone during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Do not apply betamethasone if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Related Questions
References
- Betamethasone Topical Medline Plus https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682799.html
- Betamethasone topical. Michigan Medicine. The University of Michigan. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d03197a1#:~:text=Betamethasone%20is%20a%20steroid%20that,such%20as%20eczema%20or%20psoriasis.
- Betamethasone Valerate topical Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/monograph/betamethasone-valerate-topical.html#:~:text=Foam%20(0.12%25%20betamethasone%20valerate),to%20have%20medium%2Drange%20potency.&text=Ointment%20(0.05%25%20betamethasone%20dipropionate),to%20have%20high%2Drange%20potency.&text=Cream%2C%20lotion%2C%20and%20ointment%20(,to%20have%20high%2Drange%20potency
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