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Betamethasone Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 7, 2024.

Applies to betamethasone topical: topical application cream, topical application lotion, topical application ointment, topical application spray.

Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, betamethasone topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking betamethasone topical:

More common side effects

  • burning or stinging
  • itching at the application site

Less common side effects

  • blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
  • cracking or tightening of the skin
  • dry skin
  • flushing or redness of the skin
  • irritation
  • itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
  • thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (eg, between the fingers)
  • unusually warm skin

Rare side effects

  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

Incidence not known

  • blindness
  • blurred vision
  • change in vision
  • decreased vision
  • eye pain
  • headache
  • loss of vision
  • nausea
  • redness and scaling around the mouth
  • tearing
  • vomiting

Other side effects

Some side effects of betamethasone topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

  • raised, dark red, or wart-like spots on the skin, especially when used on the face

Rare side effects

  • burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair

Incidence not known

  • acne or pimples
  • burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
  • increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
  • lightening of normal skin color
  • lightening of treated areas of dark skin
  • reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
  • softening of the skin

Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to betamethasone topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical spray.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were pruritus, burning, itching, irritation.

Hypersensitivity

Endocrine

Dermatologic

Local

Ocular

Metabolic

Renal

Other

References

1. Stoppoloni G, Prisco F, Santinelli R, Sicuranza G, Giordano C (1983) "Potential hazards of topical steroid therapy." Am J Dis Child, 137, p. 1130-1

2. Ruiz-Maldonado R, Zapata G, Lourdes T, Robles C (1982) "Cushing's syndrome after topical application of corticosteroids." Am J Dis Child, 136, p. 274-5

3. Reymann F, Kehlet H (1979) "Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical function. Association with topical application of betamethasone dipropionate." Arch Dermatol, 115, p. 362-3

4. Cunliffe WJ, Burton JL, Holti G, Wright V (1975) "Hazards of steroid therapy in hepatic failure." Br J Dermatol, 93, p. 183-5

5. Walsh P, Aeling JL, Huff L, Weston WL (1993) "Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression by superpotent topical steroids." J Am Acad Dermatol, 29, p. 501-3

6. Stevens DJ (1988) "Cushing's syndrome due to the abuse of betamethasone nasal drops." J Laryngol Otol, 102, p. 219-21

7. Flynn MD, Beasley P, Tooke JE (1992) "Adrenal suppression with intranasal betamethasone drops." J Laryngol Otol, 106, p. 827-8

8. Salde L, Lassus A (1983) "Systemic side-effects of three topical steroids in diseased skin." Curr Med Res Opin, 8, p. 475-80

9. (2001) "Product Information. Diprolene (betamethasone topical)." Schering Corporation

10. Sneddon I (1972) "Perioral dermatitis." Br J Dermatol, 87, p. 430-4

11. Smith EB, Breneman DL, Griffith RF, Hebert AA, Hickman JG, Maloney JM, Millikan LE, Sulica VI, Dromgoole SH, Sefton J, et al. (1992) "Double-blind comparison of naftifine cream and clotrimazole/betamethasone dipropionate cream in the treatment of tinea pedis." J Am Acad Dermatol, 26, p. 125-7

12. Barkey WF (1987) "Striae and persistent tinea corporis related to prolonged use of betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream/clotrimazole 1% cream (Lotrisone cream)." J Am Acad Dermatol, 17, p. 518-9

13. Grice K (1966) "Tinea of the hand and forearm. Betamethasone valerate atrophy." Proc R Soc Med, 59, p. 254-5

14. Hellgren L (1976) "Induction of generalized pustular psoriasis by topical use of betamethasone-dipropionate ointment in psoriasis." Ann Clin Res, 8, p. 317-9

15. Macdonald A (1971) "Topical corticosteroid preparations. Hazards and side-effects." Br J Clin Pract, 25, p. 421-5

16. Ellis CN, Katz HI, Rex IH Jr, Shavin JS, Van Scott EJ, VanderPloeg D (1989) "A controlled clinical trial of a new formulation of betamethasone dipropionate cream in once-daily treatment of psoriasis." Clin Ther, 11, p. 768-74

17. Kitazawa Y (1976) "Increased intraocular pressure induced by corticosteroids." Am J Ophthalmol, 82, p. 492-5

18. Butcher JM, Austin M, McGalliard J, Bourke RD (1994) "Bilateral cataracts and glaucoma induced by long term use of steroid eye drops." BMJ, 309, p. 43

19. Eisenlohr JE (1983) "Glaucoma following the prolonged use of topical steroid medication to the eyelids." J Am Acad Dermatol, 8, p. 878-81

Further information

Betamethasone topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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