Sometimes our skin gets red, itchy, and swollen in some places. It is very common for these symptoms to appear, especially when you have a skin condition like psoriasis. So, at times like this, your doctor may give you a spray containing a medicine called Betamethasone. When you see this, you probably have a lot of questions. It is normal to think things like, "What kind of medicine is this?", "How do I use it?", "Are there any side effects?" So, let's talk about everything very simply today.
Simply put, what is Betamethasone?
Betamethasone is a topical steroid. Yes, the word 'steroid' can be a bit scary to some people. But it is a very safe and effective medication when used as directed, for the right amount of time, and in the right way.
This mainly works by reducing inflammation in your skin. That means,
- Reduces redness on the skin.
- It controls the itching that is very annoying.
- Reduces skin swelling .
- Soothes skin rashes.
The main function of this medicine is to control the symptoms of skin diseases and provide you with relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, do not hide them from your doctor, but be sure to tell him or her.
| Your situation | Why is that important to the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Having a skin infection (e.g. bacterial, fungal) | Steroid medications can sometimes make skin infections worse, so if there is an infection, it needs to be treated separately. |
| Having a large area of burned or injured skin | More medication can be absorbed into the body through broken skin, which can cause unwanted side effects. |
| If your skin is very thin or wrinkled | People with thin skin are at higher risk of side effects from steroid medications. |
| Having an allergy to betamethasone, other steroids, or other medications, foods, or dyes . | Reusing something you are allergic to can cause severe allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Any medication should be used with caution during pregnancy, so it is essential to inform your doctor about this. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Some medications can pass to the baby through breast milk, so you should talk to your doctor about this and get advice. |
Remember, the more your doctor knows about you, the safer and more successful the treatment you receive.
Okay, now how exactly do you use this spray?
This is a very important part. To get the most out of the medicine, you need to use it correctly. Let's see how to do it step by step.
1. Remember this! This medicine is for external use only . Do not take it orally or ingest it in any other way.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to your hands, wash your hands only before applying the medicine. If you wash your hands after applying the medicine, the medicine will wash away.
3. Do not apply this medicine to healthy skin, that is, skin that is free of problems. Also, do not apply it to a large area of skin at once. Apply it only to the area that the doctor has told you to treat.
4. Never let it get into your eyes . If it accidentally gets into your eyes, don't panic, open your eyes and rinse thoroughly with clean water for several minutes.
5. Use it as directed by your doctor, at the same time each day, for the prescribed amount. Do not use more than the doctor has told you to use or for longer than the doctor has told you to use.
6. When applying the medicine, spray it in a thin film to cover the affected skin area and rub it in gently. You don't need to apply too much.
7. Unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so, do not bandage, apply a plaster, or cover the area with anything else to make it tight.
Do you need to be careful when using it on young children and the elderly?
Yes, definitely.
For young children: Children's skin is very sensitive and requires special care. Do not use this medicine on a child without the advice of a doctor. In particular, do not use it for diaper rash, unless the doctor tells you to do so. Because, if you apply the medicine and put a diaper on it tightly, the child may absorb more of the medicine through the skin and cause unwanted side effects.
For people over 65: Our skin naturally thins as we age. Therefore, these medications are more likely to cause side effects. Therefore, older people should only use these medications for a short period of time.
What are the side effects? Things we should be aware of
Like any medicine, Betamethasone can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. The important thing is to know what to look out for.
| If you experience these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| A severe allergic reaction | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Skin changes being treated | Skin inflammation, itching, peeling of the skin. |
| Thinning of the skin | The skin becomes very thin, and the skin becomes irritated by even the smallest things. |
| A skin infection | Redness, swelling, warmth, or pain where the medicine was applied. |
| Small blisters around hair follicles | Small, red, pus-filled blisters around hair follicles on the skin. |
| If these things continue or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor skin problems | Slight redness, dryness, or slight itching at the site of application. |
| Unwanted hair growth | Unexpected hair growth at the injection site. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Some more important things to know
What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?
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 the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a dose twice to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if it is used too much by mistake?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. But to be safe, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Is it okay to give this medicine to others?
No, it is not good at all. This medicine has been prescribed for you by your doctor for your condition. Do not give this to someone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you. It may harm them.
Are there any problems with other medications?
This medicine generally does not cause problems with other medications. However, if you are using another ointment, cream, lotion, or anything else on your skin while taking this medicine, talk to your doctor about it.
Important warning!
This medicine may damage products containing latex, such as condoms and diaphragms. Therefore, do not let this medicine come into contact with such products. If it does, throw away the products.
How do you properly store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep it safely out of the reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat and extreme cold.
- After the medicine has expired, or 28 days have passed since opening the bottle , throw away any remaining medicine.
- The best way to dispose of expired medications is to donate them to a drug collection program run by a hospital or pharmacy. If you can't find one, ask your doctor how to safely dispose of the medication.
Finally, if your skin symptoms do not improve or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor about it. Don't forget to visit the clinic on time.
Take-Home Message
- Betamethasone is a topical steroid that is used to reduce redness, itching, and swelling of the skin. It is only applied to the skin.
- Apply a thin layer of the product to the affected skin, as directed by the doctor. Do not apply too much.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, allergies, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you experience symptoms such as a severe allergy, skin infection, or thinning of the skin, stop using the medicine and see a doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give your medicine to anyone else. It can be dangerous.
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