Itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and pain are all symptoms of several skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, which cause red, scaly patches to appear on certain parts of the body (a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). The drug betamethasone belongs to the corticosteroid drug class. It reduces swelling, redness, and itching by causing natural chemicals in the skin to become active.

A variety of strengths of betamethasone are available in ointment, cream, lotion, gel, and aerosol (spray) forms for topical treatment on the skin as well as a foam for use on the scalp. Usually, it is used once or twice a day. If there is anything you do not understand about the instructions on your prescription label, contact your doctor or pharmacist to clarify it. Use betamethasone precisely as prescribed. Use only as directed by your doctor, either in the recommended amount or frequency. If not instructed to do so by your doctor, do not use it on other parts of your body or to treat other skin disorders.

Throughout the first two weeks of your treatment, your skin’s condition ought to improve. If during this time your symptoms do not get better, call your doctor.

Use a tiny amount of ointment, cream, solution, gel, or lotion to cover the affected region of skin with a thin, even film and gently work it in to use betamethasone topical.

To apply the foam to your scalp, separate your hair, dab a little of the medication there, and then gently massage it in. As normal, you can wash your hair, just not shortly after taking the medication.

Foam made with betamethasone may ignite. When applying betamethasone foam and for a short period afterward, keep away from open flames, fire, and smoke.

Only the skin should be used to apply this medication. Do not ingest betamethasone topical and avoid getting it in your eyes or mouth. Unless specifically instructed by your doctor, avoid using in the vaginal and rectal areas, as well as in skin folds and armpits.

Avoid using plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers when applying betamethasone to a child’s diaper area. Such use could exacerbate negative effects.

Without first consulting your doctor, avoid using any other skin creams or preparations on the treated region.

Only bandage or wrap the treated area if your doctor instructs you to. Such use could exacerbate negative effects.

If the treated area worsens or if burning, swollen, redness, or pus seeping appears, call your doctor right once.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using betamethasone,

• If you have an allergy to betamethasone, any other drugs, or any of the ingredients in topical betamethasone products, let your doctor and pharmacist know right once. Get a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are currently taking or intend to take. Provide the following information: more topical treatments and additional corticosteroid medications.
• Infections, diabetes, liver disease, and Cushing’s syndrome—an abnormal condition brought on by an excess of hormones (corticosteroids)—should all be disclosed to your doctor.
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor right away if you get pregnant while using betamethasone topical.
• Inform the surgeon or dentist that you are using betamethasone topical if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.

As soon as you realise you missed a dose, administer it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Applying a second dose to make up for a missed one is not advised.

Side effects from betamethasone are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Skin that is dry, red, itchy, burning, irritated, stinging, or inflamed
• Acne
• Excessive hair growth
• Skin tone varies
• Skin that is glossy or bruised
• Rash or small red pimples around the mouth
• Little skin lumps that are white or red

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Extreme rash
• Redness, swollen areas, or other symptoms of a skin infection where you’ve administered betamethasone

Children who use topical betamethasone may be more likely to experience negative side effects, such as reduced growth and delayed weight gain. The dangers of applying this medication to your child’s skin should be discussed with your child’s doctor.

Further negative effects from topical betamethasone use are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Avoid freezing it.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Call 1-800-222-1222 to contact your local poison control centre if someone consumes betamethasone topical. Dial 911 to reach the nearest emergency services if the sufferer has collapsed or has stopped breathing.

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To monitor how your body reacts to betamethasone, your doctor may request specific lab tests.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.