What is betamethasone topical?
Betamethasone is a topical steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.
Betamethasone topical is used to treat the inflammation caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. The dental paste form of betamethasone is used to treat mouth ulcers.
Betamethasone topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about betamethasone topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with betamethasone topical can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of betamethasone topical.
Betamethasone topical will not treat a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using betamethasone topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to betamethasone.
Before using betamethasone topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of skin infection.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether betamethasone topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of betamethasone topical.