Description
Betacap contains betamethasone valerate, a potent topical corticosteroid.
In scalp conditions like psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis, the skin becomes inflamed because the immune system is overactive. This causes:
- Redness and swelling
- Thick, flaky scales
- Itching and irritation
Betacap works by:
- Reducing inflammation in the skin
- Calming the overactive local immune response
- Narrowing widened blood vessels in the treated area
This leads to:
- Less redness, scaling and itch
- A more comfortable scalp
The SmPC notes that betamethasone valerate is a well-established corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive glucocorticoid properties, and Betacap is classified as a potent (Group III) steroid.
The vehicle also helps:
- It contains a coconut-oil–related emollient to reduce dryness
- It includes isopropyl alcohol, which has antiseptic activity
Betacap also works as an antiseptic and includes an emollient (moisturiser) to help make the scalp feel more comfortable.
Who it may be suitable for
According to the SmPC, Betacap is indicated for:
- Adults (including the elderly)
- Children over 1 year of age
For:
“Topical treatment of dermatoses of the scalp, such as psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis, which are unresponsive to less potent corticosteroids.”
It may be suitable if:
- You have a diagnosed scalp condition such as psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis
- The condition has not responded well to milder steroid treatments
- The affected area is limited to the scalp
On 24 HR Pharmacy, you’d start with an online Scalp Issues Consultation so a prescriber can check Betacap is appropriate and safe for you.
Who it may not be suitable for
Do not use Betacap:
- If you are allergic to betamethasone valerate or any of the ingredients
- If there is a bacterial, fungal or viral infection of the scalp (e.g. scalp ringworm, impetigo, shingles, cold sores, chickenpox)
- In children under 1 year
Use only with extra caution and medical advice if:
- Long-term or repeated courses are needed
- Large areas of the scalp are involved
- You have psoriasis – topical steroids in psoriasis require careful supervision due to the risk of rebound flares or generalised pustular psoriasis
- You have a history of visual problems – blurred vision or other visual disturbance on any steroid should prompt ophthalmology review
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- The SmPC says there is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy, and high-dose topical steroids in animals have caused foetal development problems, so there may be a small risk in humans. Betacap should therefore only be used in pregnancy when clearly needed, on small areas for short periods.
- If you are breastfeeding, a prescriber will weigh the benefits and theoretical risks; avoid applying to areas where the infant might have direct contact.
Betacap is for external use only and must be kept away from the eyes.
Side Effects
Common side effects
Possible side effects are:
- Skin irritation
- Pustular psoriasis
- Local skin thinning
- Adrenal suppression
The SmPC notes that betamethasone valerate preparations are usually well tolerated, but prolonged use of large amounts or treatment of extensive areas can lead to systemic steroid effects.
Reported or recognised side effects include:
Immune system
- Hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) – if signs of hypersensitivity appear, stop treatment immediately.
Endocrine (hormones)
- Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
- Features of hypercorticism (Cushing’s syndrome), especially with prolonged use over large areas or under occlusion
Skin and subcutaneous tissue
- Skin atrophy (thinning of the skin)
- Pustular psoriasis
- Topical steroid withdrawal reactions, which can present as:
- Redness spreading beyond the original treatment area
- Burning or stinging
- Itch
- Peeling, oozing and pustules
Eyes
-
Blurred vision or other visual disturbances – may be linked to steroid-related conditions such as cataract, glaucoma or central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).
When to seek help quickly
Stop using Betacap and seek medical advice promptly if you:
- Notice severe irritation, burning, or worsening redness on the scalp
- Develop pustular psoriasis or sudden worsening of psoriasis
- See signs of skin thinning (shiny, fragile skin, easy bruising)
- Experience blurred vision or other eye symptoms
- Think you may have symptoms of steroid overuse (weight gain, “moon face”, tiredness, mood changes)
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
Key points from the official SmPC and your product listing:
- Name: Betacap Scalp Application
- Active ingredient: Betamethasone valerate 0.1% w/w
- Form: Cutaneous solution (transparent, slightly gelled, emollient scalp application)
- Potency: Classified as a potent topical corticosteroid (Group III).
- Indication: Topical treatment of scalp dermatoses such as psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis that are unresponsive to less potent steroids.
- Age range: Adults, elderly, and children over 1 year.
- Flammability: Betacap is highly flammable – do not use near fire or naked flames, and allow the scalp to dry naturally.
- Excipients: Includes macrogolglycerol cocoates (coconut-oil derivative), isopropyl alcohol, carbomer, sodium hydroxide and purified water.
- Storage: Do not store above 25°C, protect from light, and return the bottle to the carton between use.
- Container: 30 ml and 100 ml squeeze bottles with an integral nozzle/applicator – your site currently offers the 100 ml size.
- Legal category: Prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
From 24 HR Pharmacy:
- Betacap is listed under Prescription Only Medicines → Skin Health → Scalp Issues.
- All orders placed by 3pm and approved (Mon–Fri) are usually dispatched the same day.
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.
Directions
Always use Betacap exactly as directed by your prescriber and the label on the bottle.
From the SmPC:
Usual dose
For adults (including the elderly) and children over 1 year:
- Apply Betacap sparingly to the scalp
- Night and morning (twice daily) until improvement is noticeable
- Once control is achieved, it may be possible to maintain improvement by applying once a day or less frequently
For seborrhoeic dermatitis in children, Betacap should not be used for longer than 5–7 days.
Step-by-step application
- Prepare the scalp
- Make sure hair and scalp are dry.
- Part the hair so that the affected area of scalp is exposed.
- Apply Betacap
- Use the nozzle/applicator to apply a small amount directly onto the affected patches of scalp.
- Gently rub in with your fingertips until the solution is evenly spread.
- Use just enough to thinly cover the affected area – you do not need to soak the scalp.
- Let it dry naturally
- Allow the scalp to dry in the air.
- Do not use a hairdryer or go near naked flames while the scalp is wet with Betacap – the product is highly flammable.
- Hair care
- You can style your hair once the scalp is completely dry.
- Continue to use regular shampoo, but avoid harsh medicated shampoos unless advised by your doctor.
- Wash your hands
- Wash hands thoroughly after application (unless your hands are the treated area).
Important precautions
- For scalp use only – do not use on the face or other body areas unless specifically told to.
- Avoid getting Betacap in your eyes; if this happens, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Do not use long-term continuously – prolonged use, especially in children, can lead to adrenal suppression and other steroid side effects even without occlusion.
- In psoriasis, careful follow-up is important to monitor for rebound flares or pustular psoriasis.
Missed a dose?
If you forget to apply Betacap:
- Apply it as soon as you remember, then continue as normal.
- If it is almost time for your next application, skip the missed dose and just use your usual amount at the next scheduled time.
- Do not apply extra or use it more frequently to make up for the missed dose – this increases the risk of side effects without improving your scalp faster.
If you keep forgetting applications and your scalp is not improving, speak to your GP or 24 HR Pharmacy prescriber.
FAQs
What is Betacap used for?
Betacap Scalp Application is a potent steroid solution used to treat scalp psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis when milder products have been ineffective, helping to reduce redness, scaling, and itching for improved comfort.
How long can I use Betacap for?
Apply the solution twice daily until improvement is noticed, after which your prescriber may suggest reducing the frequency, but long-term continuous use must be avoided to prevent steroid side effects and withdrawal reactions, with use in children for seborrhoeic dermatitis limited to 5–7 days.
Is Betacap a strong steroid?
Yes, Betamethasone valerate 0.1% is classified as a potent Group III topical corticosteroid and is labeled as a strong steroid intended for short-term scalp use when weaker treatments have failed.
Can I use Betacap on other areas of skin?
Betacap is specifically formulated as a scalp solution and is not intended for routine use on the face or body unless recommended by a specialist, as other steroid formulations like creams or ointments are preferred for non-scalp areas.
Can I use Betacap in children?
Betacap must not be used in children under 1 year old, and for children over 1 year, treatment must be short and closely supervised—specifically max 5–7 days for seborrhoeic dermatitis—because children are at a higher risk of adrenal suppression and side effects due to increased skin absorption.
Is Betacap safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
In pregnancy, Betacap should only be used if clearly necessary on small areas for the shortest time possible due to limited human safety data, and during breastfeeding, a prescriber will weigh potential risks against benefits; you must inform your prescriber of your status and avoid application where a baby might have direct skin contact.
What should I do if my scalp becomes very thin, sore or develops pus-filled spots?
Stop using Betacap on the affected area and promptly contact your GP, dermatologist, or 24 HR Pharmacy prescriber if you notice skin thinning, soreness, or pus-filled spots, as these require medical review. Seek urgent help for severe redness, burning, oozing, facial swelling, or breathing difficulties.
How do I get Betacap from 24 HR Pharmacy?
To get Betacap from 24 HR Pharmacy, visit the product page, click Start Scalp Issues Consultation, and complete the secure online questionnaire for review by a UK-registered prescriber who can issue a private prescription; orders approved by 3pm Monday to Friday are typically dispatched the same day.
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