Description
How it works
Betnovate Scalp Application contains betamethasone valerate, a potent (strong) topical steroid.
In scalp problems like psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and severe dandruff-type inflammation, the immune system in the skin becomes overactive, causing:
- Redness and swelling
- Thick, flaky scales
- Itching and irritation
Betnovate works by:
- Blocking the release of inflammatory chemicals in the skin
- Dampening the local immune response
- Narrowing widened blood vessels in the scalp
So it helps to:
- Reduce redness and swelling
- Ease itching and discomfort
- Improve the appearance and feel of the scalp
The vehicle itself is slightly cooling and contains isopropyl alcohol, which has a mild antiseptic effect, and a gelled base that helps it spread and dry quickly on the scalp.
Who it may be suitable for
From the official information and supporting formulary guidance, Betnovate Scalp Application is intended for:
- Adults (including the elderly)
- Children over 1 year old
For steroid-responsive dermatoses of the scalp, such as:
- Psoriasis of the scalp
- Seborrhoeic capitis / seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Inflammation associated with severe dandruff
Your 24 HR Pharmacy overview states that Betnovate:
- “Helps to reduce the redness and itchiness of certain scalp problems, such as psoriasis and dermatitis”
- Works by blocking chemicals that trigger inflammation and is used morning and night initially to cool the scalp and relieve itch and discomfort
It may be suitable if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with a scalp condition like psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Milder treatments (e.g. weaker steroid lotions or simple medicated shampoos) have not worked well enough
- The affected area is mainly the scalp, not the face or other body sites
You would complete a Scalp Issues online consultation on the 24 HR Pharmacy site so a UK prescriber can confirm whether Betnovate is appropriate and safe for you.
Who it may not be suitable for
Do not use Betnovate Scalp Application if:
- You are allergic to betamethasone valerate or any of the ingredients
- You have a skin infection on your scalp (bacterial, fungal or viral)
- It is for a child under 1 year
Use with extra caution and only as directed by a healthcare professional if:
- You have psoriasis – strong steroids on psoriasis need close monitoring due to risk of rebound flares or pustular psoriasis
- You are applying to broken skin, thin skin, skin folds, or a large area of scalp
- You are using airtight dressings or coverings, which increase absorption
- You are treating a child (their skin absorbs more steroid) – leaflet states use in children should be limited to 5 days
- You have had problems with other steroid creams before
Tell your doctor or prescriber if you:
- Have any visual problems – blurred vision on steroids may need ophthalmology review
- Are taking certain medicines such as ritonavir or itraconazole (can affect steroid metabolism)
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
- If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, planning a baby or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using Betnovate.
- In general, strong topical steroids should be used only if clearly needed, on small areas and for the shortest possible time in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, this product can cause side effects and that they are most often due to irritation at the application site (burning, pain, irritation or itching).
From the PIL:
Stop using Betnovate and contact your doctor immediately if:
- Your scalp condition gets worse, you develop a generalised rash, or your skin becomes swollen – you may be allergic, have developed an infection, or need other treatment.
- You have psoriasis and develop raised bumps with pus under the skin – this rare complication is called pustular psoriasis.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Burning sensation where the liquid is applied
- Pain at the application site
- Irritation
- Itching
These are usually mild and short-lived. If they persist or are severe, seek advice.
Very rare (up to 1 in 10,000 people) but important steroid-related effects:
- Increased risk of infection
- Allergic skin reactions where the liquid is applied
- Rash or redness of the skin
- Thinning and dryness of the skin; the skin may damage or wrinkle more easily
- Stretch marks
- More visible surface veins
- Changes in hair growth (increased hair, or hair loss)
- Changes in skin colour (lightening or darkening)
- Weight gain, rounding of the face
- Delayed weight gain or slowed growth in children
- Bone thinning/weakness (osteoporosis) and fractures
- Eye problems – cataract, glaucoma (raised eye pressure)
- Increased blood sugar or sugar in urine
- High blood pressure
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated):
-
Blurred vision
Many of the “very rare” problems occur when too much steroid is absorbed, e.g. after long-term use, over large areas, under occlusion, or in children.
Report any suspected side effects via your doctor/pharmacist and/or directly via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
Important points:
- Name: Betnovate Scalp Application
- Active ingredient: Betamethasone valerate 0.1% w/w (a potent topical corticosteroid)
- Indication: helps reduce redness and itchiness of certain scalp problems, such as psoriasis and dermatitis; more broadly, steroid-responsive dermatoses of the scalp including seborrhoeic capitis
- Age: adults, elderly, and children over 1 year (with use in children limited and supervised)
- Potency: classified as a “strong” (potent) corticosteroid; your leaflet explains topical steroids come in mild, moderately potent, potent and very potent, and Betnovate Scalp Application is in the potent group.
- Formulation: sticky liquid in a 100 ml plastic bottle with nozzle, designed specifically for scalp use
- Flammability: contents are flammable – keep away from fire, flames, heat and smoking during application and until fully dry.
- Excipients: carbomer, isopropyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, purified water.
- Storage: Do not store above 25°C, keep tightly closed, away from sunlight and heat, and out of the sight and reach of children.
- Legal status: Prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
From 24 HR Pharmacy:
- Betnovate appears under Prescription Only Medicines → Skin Health → Scalp Issues.
- Orders approved and placed by 3pm (Mon–Fri) are usually dispatched the same day.
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.
Directions
Always use Betnovate exactly as your prescriber and the label direct.
From the PIL:
Usual dose
- Apply Betnovate to your scalp in the morning and at night
- Once your scalp problem starts to improve, the frequency can often be reduced (for example to once daily, then less often)
- Do not use more often than prescribed
- Do not use continuously for a long time (e.g. every day for many weeks or months) unless specifically told to by your doctor
For children, use is short and limited – the leaflet states use on children should be limited to 5 days and dressings/bandages should not be used over the treated area.
Step-by-step application
From the leaflet’s guidance:
- Start with clean, dry scalp
- If you wash or shampoo your hair, dry it first before applying the liquid.
- Apply to affected areas
- Wash your hands.
- Unscrew the cap and place the nozzle directly on the affected patch of scalp.
- Gently squeeze the bottle to cover the area with a thin, even layer of liquid.
- You can rub the liquid in, but you don’t have to – it will spread as it dries.
- Let it dry naturally
- Your scalp will feel cool until the liquid dries.
- Do not dry your hair with a hairdryer and keep well away from open flames or cigarettes – Betnovate is flammable until dry.
- Afterwards
- Wash your hands again after application (unless your hands are the treated area).
- Style your hair as usual once the scalp is dry.
- Do not exceed the prescribed amount
- Using too much or using it for too long increases the risk of side effects.
Missed a dose?
From the leaflet:
- If you forget to apply Betnovate, apply it as soon as you remember.
- If it is close to the time of your next dose, you can wait and just apply at the usual time.
- Do not use extra or apply more frequently to make up for a missed dose – this will not improve your scalp faster and may increase the chance of side effects.
If you’ve been using Betnovate regularly and are thinking of stopping, speak to your doctor first – stopping suddenly after long-term use can cause your condition to flare or worsen.
FAQs
What is Betnovate Scalp Application used for?
Betnovate Scalp Application is a strong steroid liquid designed to reduce redness, itchiness, and inflammation associated with scalp conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and other steroid-responsive dermatoses.
Is Betnovate a strong steroid?
Yes, Betnovate Scalp Application is classified as a strong or potent corticosteroid, which is why it is typically reserved for cases where milder products have failed and why the duration and area of use must be strictly limited.
How long can I use Betnovate for?
You typically apply the treatment morning and night until improvement occurs, after which a doctor may advise reducing the frequency, but it should not be used continuously for long periods without explicit medical instruction. In children, use must be closely supervised and limited to approximately 5 days, and any lack of improvement or worsening of the condition requires a review by a doctor or prescriber.
Can I use Betnovate on my face or body, or just my scalp?
Betnovate is specifically formulated for use on the scalp only and should not be applied to the face or around the eyes due to the high risk of skin thinning and other side effects unless specifically advised by a specialist, as different steroid preparations are usually preferred for the body.
Is Betnovate safe for children?
Betnovate is prohibited for children under 1 year old, and for older children, use should be restricted to no more than 5 days without dressings or bandages because their thinner skin increases the risk of serious side effects like slowed growth or hormone suppression.
Can I use Betnovate if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you must consult your doctor before use, as strong topical steroids are generally only used if clearly necessary on small areas for short periods, and you must avoid application where a baby might come into direct contact with the treated skin.
What should I do if my scalp becomes thinner, very sore, or develops pus-filled spots?
If your scalp becomes thinner, sore, or develops pus-filled spots, stop using the product immediately and contact a medical professional as these may be signs of skin thinning or pustular psoriasis. Seek urgent medical help for severe swelling, a widespread rash, or difficulty breathing, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction.
How do I get Betnovate from 24 HR Pharmacy?
To obtain Betnovate from 24 HR Pharmacy, visit the product page on their website, click Start Scalp Issues Consultation, and complete the secure online medical questionnaire.
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