Is your skin red and itchy in places, like a rash? Or is there some kind of skin allergy? When we go to see a doctor at times like these, most of the time they give us a cream, ointment, or lotion to apply to the skin. Betamethasone is a very popular and prescribed medication among these medications. So today, let's talk about this medication, the things to be careful about when using it, and everything else.
What is Betamethasone?
Simply put, Betamethasone is a corticosteroid . Just like we comfort a close friend when they're angry, this medication works by controlling the "anger" or inflammation in our skin. That is, it calms the skin by reducing discomfort such as itching, redness, and swelling .
This comes in a variety of forms. Your doctor may have prescribed a cream for you. Or it may be a gel, lotion, or ointment. Each type is used depending on the nature and location of the skin problem.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, it is essential that you inform him about your other health conditions. If you have any of the conditions listed in the table below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Health condition or opportunity | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Acne or rosacea condition | This medicine is not used for such conditions, as it may worsen the condition. |
| Another active skin infection (fungal, bacterial) | Corticosteroids can help hide or spread infections. |
| Diabetes | Sometimes, the amount absorbed into the body through the skin can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Eye diseases, glaucoma or cataracts | You need to be especially careful when applying it around the eyes. |
| Burns or wounds on a large area of skin | Applying to large areas increases the amount absorbed by the body. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In these cases, it is imperative to talk to your doctor about the safety of the medication. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Please inform us if you are allergic to betamethasone or other corticosteroids. |
How exactly do you use this?
This is the most important part. Follow these instructions to get the most out of the medicine and minimize side effects.
- For topical use only: This is not an oral medication. Do not take by mouth for any reason.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- Apply only a thin film: Apply a very thin film only to the affected area. Applying too much will not heal the skin faster, and will only cause side effects.
- Do not cover: Unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor, do not cover the area where the medication was applied with bandages or plasters.
- Do not apply to healthy skin: Do not apply this medicine to healthy skin that is free of problems.
- Keep out of eyes: Avoid contact with eyes or around eyes. If accidentally applied, rinse immediately with cold water.
- Do not use for longer than the prescribed period: It is generally not recommended to use this type of medication continuously for more than two weeks. Use it only for the period of time your doctor tells you to.
Be careful when using on children.
Children's skin is very sensitive and requires special care. Although this medicine is prescribed for children over the age of 13 in some cases, it is done under medical supervision. If you are applying this medicine to the diaper area of a small child, do not put a tight diaper or plastic pants over it. Doing so may cause more of the medicine to be absorbed into the skin and cause serious side effects.
When used by the elderly
Because skin becomes thinner with age, older people are more likely to experience side effects when using this medication. Therefore, they should use this medication for a short period of time and infrequently.
Important: If you think you have overdosed on this medicine, or if someone has taken it by mouth, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Are there any problems with missing medication and other medications?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the next scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
This medication usually doesn't cause any major problems with other skin products. However, if you are using any other creams, lotions, or ointments, it's safest to tell your doctor about them.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. You can clearly see this in the table below.
| Nature of the side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Persistent burning/itching | Skin inflammation or itching that persists after applying the medicine. |
| Skin infection symptoms | Redness, pain, and pus-filled blisters where the medicine was applied. |
| Thinning of the skin | The skin becomes thinner and bruising occurs even with a minor injury. |
| The condition is not improving. | Skin conditions that do not improve or worsen despite using medication. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dry skin | Dry skin in the area where the medicine is applied. |
| Mild burning or itching | Slight burning, itching, or redness may occur when the medicine is first applied. |
If your symptoms don't improve after a week, be sure to see your doctor again. Also, tell your doctor if you've been in contact with someone who has chickenpox or measles.
How do you keep medicine safe?
- Keep away from children: This is the most important thing. Keep it out of reach of children.
- Store at room temperature: Store between 2 and 30 degrees Celsius. Do not refrigerate.
- Discard after expiration: Do not use the medicine after the expiration date. Throw it away.
This medicine is prescribed for you only. Even if a friend has a similar skin problem to yours, do not share this with them. Everyone's situation is different.
Take-Home Message
- Betamethasone is a medication that should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor.
- When applying the medicine, always apply it in a very thin layer, only to the affected area.
- Do not apply to cuts, wounds, or large areas of skin without medical advice.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other cosmetics you use.
- If you experience any serious side effects, or if your symptoms do not improve, seek medical advice immediately.
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