Description

Betnovate Scalp Application

What is Betnovate scalp application used for?

* Inflammation of the scalp due to excessive oil secretion (seborrhoeic dermatitis)

* Inflammatory skin disorders affecting the scalp

* Psoriasis of the scalp

How does Betnovate scalp application work?

Betnovate scalp application contains the active ingredient Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% , a corticosteroid drug used for psorisais and eczema treatment.

Corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation of the skin is caused by the release of various substances produced by the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, as is seen in dermatitis or eczema.

When betamethasone is applied to the skin it works by acting inside the skin cells to decrease the release of the inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itching.There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids applied to the skin. Betamethasone valerate 0.1% is classed as a potent corticosteroid. It is prescribed to treat inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis that have not responded to weaker corticosteroids.Betnovate scalp application is thinner and easier to apply to the scalp than Betnovate ointment or cream. It is used to treat inflammatory disorders of the scalp.

You can find HERE all our products containing Betamethasone. A large choice of creams, ointments and solutions are available over the counter

How do I use Betnovate scalp application?

Betnovate scalp application should be applied to the scalp twice a day (morning and night) to begin with. As soon as the condition starts to improve, you should use it less frequently, as directed by your doctor.
The liquid should be applied thinly to the areas of the scalp that need treating using the nozzle of the bottle. You can rub the liquid into your scalp if you wish, but then leave it to dry naturally (don’t use a hairdryer). The betamethasone will be left on the scalp – it should not be washed off. If you need to wash your hair you should wash and dry your hair before applying the scalp application.
Take care to avoid the scalp application running onto the face or into the eyes. Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs. Avoid applying it to broken skin.
Wash your hands after applying the scalp application to avoid accidentally transferring it to other areas.
Don’t apply moisturisers to the same area of skin at the same time as this medicine. Try to leave at least 30 minutes between applying moisturisers and this medicine, as otherwise the moisturiser could dilute the corticosteroid and potentially make it less effective.
If there is no improvement in your scalp after two to four weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor. Repeat courses maybe necessary to control flare-ups of psoriasis or eczema, but should only be started on the advice of your doctor.

If you think this Betnovate is not for you , you can compare it with Dermovate Scalp Application , another corticosteroid but it contains Clobetasol Propionate 0.05%

Things to know about Betnovate scalp application before using

Betnovate scalp application contains flammable alcohol. Do not apply it near naked flames or lit objects, such as gas and electric fires and lit cigarettes, or near other sources of heat such as hairdryers. Do not smoke during or immediately after applying it and do not use a hairdryer to dry the hair after applying it.
This medicine is for external use on the scalp only. It must not be used on the face or any other part of the body apart from the scalp.
You should never use Betnovate scalp application as a moisturiser.
If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw or broken skin, or under airtight dressings they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only cover the affected area if instructed by your doctor. If you find you still need to use this medicine after two to four weeks because your skin has not improved you should consult your doctor.
If used in children, wherever possible this medicine should not be used for longer than five days. You should not use airtight dressings to cover the area treated.
If you think the area of skin you are treating has become infected you should stop using this medicine and consult your doctor.

Find other products for your skin disease (inflamation, psoriasis, eczema, etc ..)  here  : Best products for skin desease

Betnovate scalp application should be used with caution in

Children (see above).
Psoriasis. If you have been prescribed this medicine to treat psoriasis you should have regular check-ups with your doctor. This is because although corticosteroids may be useful for psoriasis in the short-term, they can sometimes make psoriasis worse, and may cause the condition to relapse into generalised pustular psoriasis after the treatment is stopped.

Who should not use Betnovate scalp application?

Children under one year of age.
Skin infected with viruses (eg chickenpox, shingles), fungi (eg ringworm) or bacteria (eg impetigo).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Can I use Betnovate scalp application while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.

What are the side effects of Betnovate scalp application?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Skin irritation at site of application, such as burning and itching.
Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis).
Thinning of the skin.
Stretch marks (striae).
Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia).
Changes in skin pigmentation.
Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis).
Prolonged use of this medicine on extensive areas of skin, broken or raw skin, skin folds or underneath airtight dressings may on very rare occasions result in enough corticosteroid being absorbed to have side effects on other parts of the body, for example a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands, or symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome – see warning section above.

Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of this medicine. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

How can Betnovate scalp application affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. However, as with all medicines, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.

If you are using other topical medicines on the same area of skin it is recommended that you leave several minutes between applying each product. This is to allow each product time to be absorbed and avoid them mixing on the skin.

If you apply moisturisers shortly before or after applying this medicine these can dilute the corticosteroid and potentially make it less effective. Try to apply your moisturisers at a different time of day, or at least 30 minutes before or after this medicine.