What is Betnovate Cream?

Betnovate Cream is a potent corticosteroid treatment used to reduce inflammation and irritation in severe skin conditions. It contains betamethasone valerate 0.1% as the active ingredient. The cream formulation is lighter and more suitable for moist or weeping skin, while the ointment is greasier and better for dry, scaly areas.

How does Betnovate Cream work?

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that calms the body’s immune response in the skin. It reduces redness, swelling, and itching by limiting the release of inflammatory chemicals. This provides relief from flare-ups of severe skin conditions.

When to consider Betnovate Cream

Severe eczema and dermatitis that have not responded to milder corticosteroids
Psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis unless advised by a specialist)
Lichen planus
Discoid lupus erythematosus
Other corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions

Who can use Betnovate Cream

Adults and children over 1 year (children should use under close medical supervision and for the shortest time possible)
Patients with severe inflammatory skin conditions that require a potent corticosteroid

Who should not use Betnovate Cream

Infants under 1 year of age
Anyone allergic to betamethasone valerate or other ingredients in the cream
On untreated skin infections (bacterial, viral such as cold sores or chickenpox, or fungal such as athlete’s foot)
On acne, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis
On broken skin, or near the eyes and genitals unless instructed by a doctor

How to use Betnovate Cream

Apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily.
Gently rub in until the cream disappears.
Use only on affected skin and for the shortest possible time.
Wash hands after applying, unless treating the hands.
Do not cover with airtight dressings unless told by a doctor.
Children should not normally use Betnovate for more than 5 days unless reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Possible side effects

Most people tolerate Betnovate well, but side effects may include:

• Mild stinging, burning, or itching at the application site
• Thinning of the skin, stretch marks, or changes in pigmentation with prolonged use
• Acne-like eruptions or excessive hair growth
• Worsening of untreated skin infections
• Rarely, allergic skin reactions or systemic effects such as adrenal suppression (usually with long-term use, use over large areas, or under occlusion)

Alternatives to Betnovate Cream

• Weaker corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone or clobetasone for milder conditions
• Stronger topical treatments or specialist therapies for severe or resistant skin disease (on prescription only)
• Regular use of emollients and moisturisers to protect and hydrate the skin

Can you buy Betnovate Cream over the counter?

No. Betnovate is only available on prescription in the UK because it is a potent corticosteroid and requires medical supervision.

Directions for Use

Adults

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin once or twice daily. Gently rub in until the cream disappears. Once the condition improves, reduce the frequency of application, and stop when the flare-up settles.

Children over 1 year

• Apply a thin layer once or twice daily, only under medical supervision. Use for the shortest time possible, usually no longer than 5–7 days.

Children under 1 year

• Not recommended.

Application advice

• Use only on affected skin.
• Do not use on broken skin, face, eyes, or genitals unless specifically told by a doctor.
• Wash hands after applying, unless the hands are being treated.
• Do not cover with airtight dressings or bandages unless directed by your doctor.
• If using an emollient, apply it first and wait about 30 minutes before applying Betnovate.

Duration

• Treatment should be as short as possible, usually a few days to a few weeks.
• Long-term continuous use should be avoided, especially in children.
• If symptoms do not improve within 2–4 weeks, seek medical advice.

Active ingredient

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% w/w

Inactive ingredients (excipients)

Chlorocresol (preservative)
Cetostearyl alcohol
Liquid paraffin
White soft paraffin
Macrogol cetostearyl ether
Phosphoric acid
Purified water
Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate
Sodium hydroxide

Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the full ingredient list — especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Common or mild side effects (usually local and short-term):

Burning, stinging, or itching at the site of application
Skin irritation, redness, or dryness

Less common side effects (more likely with prolonged use, high potency, or use under occlusion):

Thinning of the skin (atrophy)
Stretch marks (striae)
Dilated surface blood vessels (telangiectasia)
Changes in skin colour (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation)
Excessive hair growth at the site (hypertrichosis)
Acne-like eruptions
Rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)

Rare or serious side effects (mainly with long-term use, large areas, or in children):

Worsening or spread of untreated skin infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
Allergic contact dermatitis
Secondary skin infections
Systemic absorption leading to adrenal suppression, growth delay in children, or Cushing’s syndrome features (very rare, but possible if used extensively or incorrectly)