Beta Cream 0.1% (Betamethasone)

Beta Cream general information

What is Beta Cream used for?

Beta Cream 0.1% is a topical skin cream used to treat several moderate to severe skin and scalp conditions, such as various forms of dermatitis and eczema, including, seborrhoeic dermatitis (a scaly rash that usually affects areas of the skin or scalp that are greasy or oily) and chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, lichen planus and discoid lupus erythematosus, which causes lesions and scarring on face, ears and scalp; it can also be used in conjunction with systemic steroid therapy in generalised erythroderma, which is a severe inflammatory skin condition that causes widespread reddening of the skin. Beta Cream 0.1% is also used for contact sensitivity reactions, prickly heat, and insect bite reactions. Beta Cream helps relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.

How does Beta Cream work?

Beta Cream 0.1% contains the synthetic corticosteroid betamethasone, with moderately potent anti-inflammatory properties as well as immunosuppressive properties and is more potent than hydrocortisone. Betamethasone in Beta Cream 0.1% works by blocking production and action of phospholipase A2, the first enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are hormone-like substances involved in the process of inflammation; also cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and COX 2), the enzymes specifically involved in prostaglandin production. This action of Beta cream reduces symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions particularly those that do not respond satisfactorily to less active steroids.

What does Beta Cream contain?

Beta Cream contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate 0.1% (w/w), a topical corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory skin conditions. It also contains white soft paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, ceteareth 20, sodium phosphate monobasic, chlorocresol, sodium hydroxide and purified water.

Treating eczema with Beta Cream

Beta Cream 0.1% contains betamethasone, a corticosteroid that is used as a topical treatment for various forms of severe eczema, including atopic eczema, an inherited, chronic, inflammatory and itchy skin condition where the skin reacts abnormally to irritants and is common in children; also discoid eczemas, which are patches of red raised irritated skin that can affect any part of the body particularly the lower leg. Betamethasone in Beta Cream 0.1% works by blocking the enzymes involved in the production of hormone-like substances called leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which cause inflammation. This helps relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.

Beta Cream for inflammatory skin disease

Beta Cream 0.1% contains betamethasone, a corticosteroid that is used as a topical treatment for various forms of inflammatory skin disease, including, severe eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis (a scaly rash that usually affects areas of the skin or scalp that are greasy or oily) and chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, lichen planus and discoid lupus erythematosus, which causes lesions and scarring on face, ears and scalp; it can also be used in conjunction with systemic steroid therapy in generalised erythroderma, which is a severe inflammatory skin condition that causes widespread reddening of the skin. Betamethasone in Beta Cream 0.1% works by blocking the enzymes involved in the production of hormone-like substances called leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which cause inflammation. This reduces symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions particularly those that do not respond satisfactorily to less active steroids.

What are the side effects of Beta Cream?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Beta Cream 0.1% include: stretch marks (striae), changes in skin colour, thinning and dilatation of the superficial blood vessels making them visible through the skin, increased hair growth. Long-term use of topical steroid creams like Beta Cream may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently and this may slow down the growth rate in children.

When should Beta Cream not be used?

You should not use Beta Cream 0.1% if you:

• are allergic to betamethasone or any ingredients in Beta Cream
• have a viral infection of the skin, tuberculosis, acne rosacea (a chronic skin condition), perioral dermatitis (facial rash around the mouth), fungal skin infections and ulcerative conditions
• have damaged skin
• are pregnant or breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor

How should Beta Cream be used?

You should apply a thin film Beta Cream 0.1% to the affected area of skin 2-3 times daily at first and then you can reduce this to once daily as your skin condition improves. You can use your Beta Cream 0.1% on skin that is moist or weeping. Gently rub the cream into the skin and always wash your hands after applying the medication to make sure you don’t get any in your eyes, nose or mouth. Beta Cream 0.1% is intended for short term use and if used in children or on the face, you should not use it for more than 3 weeks without visiting your doctor. You should use Beta Cream 0.1% cream for as long as recommended by your doctor and depending on your condition; long term continuous use should be avoided as it can cause problems.

How long should you use Beta Cream?

You should use Beta Cream 0.1% cream for as long as recommended by your doctor and depending on your condition; long term continuous use should be avoided as it can cause problems.

Missed dose of Beta Cream

If you miss a dose of Beta Cream 0.1% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Beta Cream be stored?

You should store your Beta Cream 0.1% below 25°C in a cool dry place.