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Betnovate is a steroid medicine known as a corticosteroid. It's a strong treatment used for skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and lichen planus.
Corticosteroids are used to lessen swelling, irritation, and inflammation caused by rashes. They come in forms like cream, ointment, lotion, and scalp solution.
Lichen planus is a type of inflammatory rash that can appear on your skin, nails, and mucous membranes, like those in your mouth and genitals. It's not something you can catch from others, but the purple or red bumps it causes can be itchy and painful. It's believed to be triggered by your immune system reacting to certain things, such as medications, infections, or chemicals found in perfumed products. The rash often goes away on its own within nine to eighteen months and typically doesn't return once it's gone.
Topical corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation when the immune system is activated. They work by calming down certain cells and stopping the production of chemicals that lead to swelling. Betnovate can relieve symptoms of lichen planus, like itching, pain, and irritation.
Betnovate is used for moderate to severe skin conditions because it's a strong topical treatment. Creams work well for skin that's moist and weeping, while ointments are thicker and greasier, making them more suitable for dry or flaky skin.
Topical corticosteroids are often the first choice for treating lichen planus.
Every type of Betnovate contains a 0.1% dose of betamethasone valerate. This means that each gram of the product has 1 milligram of betamethasone valerate, which is the active ingredient.
You should notice your skin improving within a few days. Topical corticosteroids are usually used for a short time, but if your rash hasn't cleared up after four weeks, have a chat with your clinician. You might need a stronger treatment or possibly an oral medication.
Only use Betnovate on your face if your prescriber advises it, and for no more than five days, as facial skin is quite delicate. Be careful to avoid getting the cream in your eyes. If you forget to apply your Betnovate cream or ointment, put it on as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next application. In that case, just wait until then. Using too much or for too long can lead to it being absorbed into your bloodstream, which might make you unwell, so seek urgent medical attention straight away if this happens.
Yes, you'll need a prescription for Betnovate.
Other topical treatments you might consider are Dermovate, Locoid, or Synalar. Both Dermovate and Synalar contain the active ingredient clobetasol propionate, just like Betnovate, and are used in a similar way to help manage your inflamed rash.
Another choice is Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine medicine that helps ease allergy symptoms. It can also be used to treat lichen planus. You take it as a daily oral tablet.
If you have a severe case of lichen planus, your doctor might suggest treatments like immune suppressant medication, light therapy (phototherapy), or retinoids.
In many cases, lichen planus will go away on its own. Betamethasone ointment is also effective for treating lichen planus and works as well as calcipotriol ointment, which is a vitamin D treatment often used for psoriasis.
Overall, Betnovate can help ease the symptoms of lichen planus, such as itching, irritation, inflammation, and redness.
As with any medication, Betnovate may lead to side effects, though not everyone will experience them. If your rash worsens after using Betnovate, stop using it straight away. Some common side effects you might notice are a burning sensation, pain, irritation, or itching where you've applied the cream or ointment.
Betnovate (lichen planus) isn't right for everyone, so there are a few things you should be aware of before using it.
Here's the information you need. If you're still worried, feel free to chat with our expert clinical team whenever you like.
Medicines can cause side effects. Always read the leaflet that comes with your medication and report any side effects to your pharmacist.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) publishes the official leaflets for licensed UK medicines.
Every online consultation is reviewed by one of our pharmacists before any medicine is supplied. Each clinician is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and you can check their registration using the Verify link.
Superintendent Pharmacist and Independent Prescriber
Leads clinical governance at Westbury Chemist. Clinical interests include acute respiratory conditions, urinary tract infections and musculoskeletal conditions.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Clinical interests include ear, nose and throat conditions, high blood pressure and weight management.
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Clinical interests include asthma, COPD and the management of long-term conditions.
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