Betnovate Scalp Application

What is Betnovate Scalp Application?

Betnovate Scalp Application belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids also known as topical steroids. It is a treatment for skin conditions like atopic eczema and seborrhoeic dermatitis which is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp.

You can only buy Betnovate Scalp Application on prescription.

What is Betnovate Scalp Application used to treat?

Betnovate is a treatment for itchy and uncomfortable scalp conditions, such as atopic eczema and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

This is a strong steroid medication, meaning that it is used in the short-term to effectively and quickly relieve the redness, itching and irritation associated with scalp conditions.

Why is Betnovate Scalp Application recommended for eczema and dermatitis?

Betnovate's active ingredient is able to effectively relieve irritation and redness associated with a number of scalp conditions. 

Providing fast-acting relief, you are able to carry on with your life as usual, free from discomfort and irritation.

How does Betnovate Scalp Application work?

Betnovate contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, which is a corticosteroid medicine.

Betnovate Scalp Application is absorbed through the skin and works to block the inflammatory chemicals that cause eczema symptoms from being released. You may be given a prescription to use this medicine after trying weaker treatments that have not improved your symptoms; betamethasone valerate is a potent corticosteroid, meaning it is a strong medicine.

Who can use Betnovate Scalp Application?

Do not use Betnovate if:

• You are allergic to betamethasone valerate or any of the other ingredients in this product (please see the Ingredients tab for full details)
• You have a skin infection on the scalp

Betnovate must not be used on children under 1 year old.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if:

• You are applying it to a large surface area
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have psoriasis (your doctor will need to see you frequently)
• You have ever had an allergic reaction to a steroid medicine
• You need to apply the liquid to the folds of the skin or broken skin
• You are applying the liquid under an airtight dressing
• You are applying the liquid to children or thin skin (children's skin is thinner, so may absorb larger amounts)

Speak to your doctor if you are not sure whether or not Betnovate is suitable for you.

This list is not exhaustive. Please refer to the patient information leaflet for a full list of precautions.

Can you buy Betnovate Scalp Application over the counter?

No, Betnovate Scalp Application is not available to buy over the counter. You will need to be prescribed this medicine by your doctor.

Can you buy Betnovate Scalp Application online in the UK?

This is a prescription-only medicine (POM), but you can buy Betnovate from Medicine Direct after completing a simple online consultation with one of our registered doctors. This is to make sure that this medication is suitable for you.

Next day delivery is available if you order by 2pm.

Medicine Direct is a fully regulated UK pharmacy. For your own safety, you should not order any type of medicine online from anywhere other than pharmacies that are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Betnovate alternatives

While skin problems like eczema and dermatitis can be hard to keep under control, a wide range of medicines are available to treat them.

At Medicine Direct, we also stock Betacap Scalp Application, which also contains betamethasone valerate. 

Other scalp treatments include Elocon Scalp Lotion which is also used to treat a dry, itchy and inflamed scalp caused by eczema and dermatitis.

Non-prescription medicines like Balneum Cream can also be purchased.

Dosage and Directions

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Betnovate Scalp application.

How to apply Betnovate Scalp Application

Always use Betnovate Scalp Application exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Read the patient information leaflet thoroughly and ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance if you are unsure of anything.

Do not exceed the amount your prescription states.

Normally, you will be instructed to apply the liquid to the scalp twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This dose may be reduced as your condition improves.

This product must not be applied for prolonged periods of time, unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

Directions

1. Wash your hands.
2. Unscrew the bottle's cap and place the nozzle on the treatment area.
3. Squeeze the bottle gently to cover the affected area with a thin and even layer of liquid.
4. If you wish, you can rub the liquid in. Alternatively, just let it absorb on its own.
5. Your scalp will feel cool until the liquid has dried.
6. Wash your hands again after you have applied the liquid.

Possible side effects

Like all medications, Betnovate comes with the risk of certain side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects include:

• A burning, itching, painful or irritating sensation to the area the liquid is applied

Some people may also suffer blurred vision.

Stop using Betnovate immediately and seek medical attention if:

• Your skin condition gets worse, you get a skin rash or your skin becomes swollen
• You have psoriasis and get raised, pus-filled bumps under the skin

Rare side effects include:

• Weight gain, rounding in the face
• Allergic skin reaction
• Delayed weight gain or slowing growth in children
• Increased risk of infection
• Rash, redness or itchy, bumpy skin
• Thinning or dryness of the skin
• Stretch marks
• High blood pressure
• Increased blood sugar levels or sugar in urine
• Bones becoming thinner, weaker or break easier
• More noticeable veins under the skin's surface
• Cloudy lens or glaucoma
• Changes in skin colour
• Increase or reduction in hair growth/hair loss

Always read the patient information leaflet for comprehensive details on side effects.

Warnings and drug interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements as some medicines interact with Betnovate scalp application.

In particular, tell them if you are taking any ritonavir and itraconazole medications.

The liquid is highly flammable. Keep it away from fires, naked flames and ignition sources. Do not smoke during the application or immediately afterwards.

Do not use this medicine on children for longer than 5 days.

Do not use dressings or bandages on children on areas the liquid is applied.

Speak to your doctor if you suffer an visual disturbances, such as blurred vision.

Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not touch your eyes after using this treatment until you have re-washed your hands.

Wash your hands before and after, or wear plastic gloves if you are applying Betnovate to someone else's skin.

Effects on the hair

Only apply Betnovate to dry hair.

Do not dry your hair with a hairdryer while using this medicine.

If you have washed or shampooed your hair, make sure it is completely dry before applying Betnovate.

Do not wash the liquid off, let it soak into the scalp.

A possible side effect is excessive hair growth.

You can still dye your hair while using Betnovate, but harsh chemicals may make your condition worse.

Read the patient information leaflet for full details on warnings and interactions. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor.

Betnovate Scalp Application Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Betamethasone valerate.

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.