Betamethasone Valerate Cream 0.1%

What is Betamethasone Valerate Cream 0.1%?

Betamethasone Valerate cream is a type of topical corticosteroid and is applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation and irritation, particularly from eczema.

Betamethasone is more suitable for moist, raw and weeping areas of the skin. A more greasy ointment is suitable for areas of the skin that appear drier and cracked.

You must have a prescription to buy Betamethasone Valerate cream. 

What is Betamethasone Valerate cream used to treat?

Betamethasone Valerate cream is commonly used in the treatment of a number of skin conditions. It is widely prescribed to treat cases of severe eczema that cause itchiness of the surrounding areas of the skin. It can also treat other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

When treating eczema, Betamethasone Valerate should be applied thinly and generously to the affected area, ensuring that any excess is fully rubbed into the skin.

Why is Betamethasone Valerate cream recommended for eczema?

When topically applied, Betamethasone Valerate cream will work directly within your skin cells and decrease the inflammatory chemicals. It also reduces the swelling and redness that is often accompanied by skin conditions. It is also commonly used for other inflammations, such as bodily reactions, insect bites, stings and allergies.

Betamethasone Valerate is available in several forms such as lotion, cream and soap. 

It can also be used by adults and children. 

How does Betamethasone Valerate work?

Betamethasone valerate is a corticosteroid (steroid) medicine. Steroids can help to reduce skin inflammation.

Your skin becomes inflamed when irritation or an allergic reaction causes chemicals to be released in the skin. As a result, your blood vessels widen and the irritated area of skin becomes red, itchy and inflamed.

Betamethasone Valerate works by stopping the inflammatory chemicals from being released, which also helps to relieve irritation and redness of the skin.

Who can use Betamethasone?

Betamethasone is safe for most adults and children to use, but it is not suitable for everyone.

Do not use Betamethasone cream to treat any of the following conditions; it could make them worse:

• Itchy skin that is not inflamed
• Acne
• Infected skin (unless it is being treated with an anti-infective medicine at the same time)
• Itching around your anus or genitals
• Rosacea
• Perioral dermatitis

Before using Betamethasone, tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• You have previously suffered an allergic reaction to any steroid
• You are applying the cream under an airtight dressing, including a baby's nappy
• You have psoriasis (your doctor will need to see you more frequently)
• You are applying it to a large surface area
• You are applying the treatment to skin folds or broken skin
• You have an untreated skin infection (this will need to be treated)
• You are using the treatment for a chronic leg ulcer
• You are applying it on or near the eyelids (if the cream repeatedly gets into the eyes, it can cause cataracts or glaucoma)
• You are applying it to thin skin, such as on your face or on children's skin, which is thinner than adults

Do not use this cream on your face for longer than 5 days.

Do not use Betamethasone cream on children who are under 1 year old.

Can you buy Betamethasone Valerate over the counter in the UK?

No, you cannot buy Betamethasone Valerate 0.01% cream over the counter. It must be prescribed by a doctor. 

Can you buy Betamethasone Valerate Online?

Yes, this medicine can be bought online from most UK online pharmacies. However, due to the steroid present in this medicine, you will have to complete an online consultation in order for a doctor or healthcare professional to assess your condition to ensure you are receiving the most suitable treatment for your condition.

Betamethasone Valerate alternatives

Betamethasone valerate is the active ingredient contained in a number of different topical treatments for eczema and other skin problems. It is combined with other medicines in some treatments, too, such as Betamethasone Valerate with Neomycin Cream, which combines the corticosteroid with an antibiotic to fight against infection while also reducing inflammation.

Betnovate also contains betamethasone valerate as its active ingredient. This branded version of betamethasone valerate comes available as a cream or ointment, meaning it can treat a range of skin types. Ointments are generally better suited to treating very dry skin.

Clobetasone cream is another corticosteroid treatment available, although this medicine does not require a prescription. As well as generic Clobetasone Cream, this medicine is also contained in Eumovate cream and ointment, which can be ordered from our online pharmacy after an online consultation.