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Overview: Topical betamethasone is used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation and itchiness, including plaque psoriasis. Common side effects from topical betamethasone are skin reactions, such as stinging, burning, itching, pain, and inflammation. Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where topical betamethasone is used unless your health care provider instructed you to do so. Doing this could increase the amount of betamethasone in your blood and possibly increase side effects.

Uses

What is topical betamethasone used for?

Topical betamethasone is commonly used to treat skin conditions that cause inflammation and itchiness, including plaque psoriasis, a skin condition that can cause an itchy, painful rash with raised patches of skin.

Topical betamethasone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical betamethasone work (mechanism of action)?

Topical betamethasone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is topical betamethasone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brand and other names

  • Beta-Val
  • Dermabet
  • Diprolene
  • Sernivo
  • Valnac

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1% topical cream
  • 0.1% topical lotion
  • 0.1% topical ointment
  • 0.12% topical foam
  • 0.05% augmented topical cream
  • 0.05% augmented topical gel
  • 0.05% augmented topical lotion
  • 0.05% augmented topical ointment
  • 0.05% topical cream
  • 0.05% topical lotion
  • 0.05% topical ointment
  • 0.05% topical spray

Betamethasone is also available in other forms. See Betamethasone for more information. 

How should I store topical betamethasone?

Topical betamethasone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze it. Throw away the spray 28 days after first using it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical betamethasone?

The most common side effects of topical betamethasone are skin reactions (see below). These reactions can include inflammation of hair follicles and skin thinning, stinging, peeling, redness, and pain. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of topical betamethasone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical betamethasone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical betamethasone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical betamethasone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical betamethasone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Betamethasone can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use topical betamethasone over large skin areas, wrap or cover the skin after using it, use on damaged skin, or use with other corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Topical betamethasone can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use topical betamethasone with other corticosteroids. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acnes
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Topical betamethasone may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if used with other corticosteroids. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Vision Problems. Topical betamethasone may cause cataracts or glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Cloudy or foggy vision
  • Nearsightedness
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Problems with glare (such as traffic lights when driving at night)
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Skin Reactions. Topical betamethasone may cause skin-related side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

Slowed Growth in Children. Topical betamethasone, when used on children, can slow the height and weight growth. The risk may be higher in those who use it for an extended period of time. Tell your child’s health care provider if you have concerns about their growth.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical betamethasone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical betamethasone.

  • Betamethasone
  • Diprolene
  • Sernivo
  • Any other medicine known as a corticosteroid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical betamethasone products they stock.

What should I know about topical betamethasone before using it?

Do not use topical betamethasone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical betamethasone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical betamethasone out of the reach of children.

Topical betamethasone is for use on the skin only. Do not get topical betamethasone in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. 

Make sure that you understand how to properly use topical betamethasone, including if you need to avoid using it on any specific body parts. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

If you are using topical betamethasone valerate foam, avoid fire or flame (including smoking) during and shortly after using it. The contents are flammable and under pressure. Do not burn or puncture the can or expose it to temperatures above 120 F (49 C). Hold the can upside down and spray onto a cool, clean surface such as a saucer. Do not spray the foam directly onto your hands because the foam begins to melt right away when it comes in contact with your skin. After using it, do not wash or rinse the treated area right away.

If you are using the spray, shake the can well before each dose.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where topical betamethasone is applied unless your health care provider instructed you to do so. 

Thoroughly wash your hands each time after using topical betamethasone unless your hands are being treated.

If no improvement in your skin is seen within about two weeks for most products or four weeks for topical betamethasone spray, tell your health care provider right away.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical betamethasone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical betamethasone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical betamethasone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical betamethasone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Topical betamethasone can cause reduced adrenal function. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Liver Problems. Liver problems can increase your risk of developing serious side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any known or suspected liver problems.

Skin Infections. Tell your health care provider if you currently have a skin infection. The infection may need to be treated first before you use topical betamethasone.

Diabetes. Topical betamethasone can increase your blood sugar. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetes.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Thinning of the skin at the affected site
  • Eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical betamethasone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical betamethasone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use topical betamethasone while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while using topical betamethasone, do not get it on your nipple or area around your nipple so your baby does not contact the medicine.

Interactions

Does topical betamethasone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical betamethasone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical betamethasone.

Does topical betamethasone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure you discuss if you are using or taking a corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions, asthma, or COPD.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical betamethasone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical betamethasone?

If you or someone else has used too much topical betamethasone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical betamethasone?

If you miss your scheduled dose of topical betamethasone, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not use topical betamethasone more often than prescribed.