Beta Ointment 0.1% (Betamethasone)

Beta Ointment general information

What is Beta Ointment used for?

Beta Ointment 0.1% is a topical skin treatment used to treat several moderate to severe skin and scalp conditions, such as various forms of dermatitis and eczema, including, seborrhoeic dermatitis (a scaly rash that usually affects areas of the skin or scalp that are greasy or oily); also chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, lichen planus and discoid lupus erythematosus, which causes lesions and scarring on face, ears and scalp. Beta Ointment 0.1% can also be used in conjunction with systemic steroid therapy in generalised erythroderma, which is a severe inflammatory skin condition that causes widespread reddening of the skin.  Beta Ointment 0.1% is also used for contact sensitivity reactions, prickly heat, and insect bite reactions.  Beta Ointment helps relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.    

How does Beta Ointment work?

Beta Ointment 0.1% contains the synthetic corticosteroid betamethasone, with moderately potent anti-inflammatory properties as well as immunosuppressive properties and is more potent than hydrocortisone.  Betamethasone in Beta Ointment 0.1% works by blocking production and action of phospholipase A2, the first enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are hormone-like substances involved in the process of inflammation; also cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and COX 2), the enzymes specifically involved in prostaglandin production.  This action of Beta Ointment reduces symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions particularly those that do not respond satisfactorily to less active steroids.  

What does Beta Ointment contain?

Beta Ointment contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate 0.1% (w/w), a topical corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory skin conditions.  It also contains white soft paraffin, white beeswax, propylene glycol and stearyl alcohol.

What is the difference between Beta Ointment and Beta Ointment?

Beta Ointment is especially appropriate for moist or weeping surfaces and can be easily rubbed into the skin without being greasy.  Beta ointment is better for lichenified (thickened and hardened) or dry scaly skin lesions, as it contains a mixture of oil and water that helps keep moisture in and preventing evaporation. 

Treating eczema with Beta Ointment

Beta Ointment 0.1% contains betamethasone, a corticosteroid that is used as a topical treatment for various forms of severe eczema, including atopic eczema, an inherited, chronic, inflammatory and itchy skin condition where the skin reacts abnormally to irritants and is common in children; also discoid eczemas, which are patches of red raised irritated skin that can affect any part of the body particularly the lower leg.  Betamethasone in Beta Ointment 0.1% works by blocking the enzymes involved in the production of hormone-like substances called leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which cause inflammation.  This helps relieve symptoms such as itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling and discomfort.  

Beta Ointment for inflammatory skin disease

Beta Ointment 0.1% contains betamethasone, a corticosteroid that is used as a topical treatment for various forms of inflammatory skin disease, including, severe eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis (a scaly rash that usually affects areas of the skin or scalp that are greasy or oily); also chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, lichen planus and discoid lupus erythematosus, which causes lesions and scarring on face, ears and scalp.  Beta Ointment 0.1% can also be used in conjunction with systemic steroid therapy in generalised erythroderma, which is a severe inflammatory skin condition that causes widespread reddening of the skin.  Betamethasone in Beta Ointment 0.1% works by blocking the enzymes involved in the production of hormone-like substances called leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which cause inflammation.  This reduces symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions particularly those that do not respond satisfactorily to less active steroids.   

What are the side effects of Beta Ointment?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Beta Ointment 0.1% include include: stretch marks (striae), changes in skin colour, thinning and dilatation of the superficial blood vessels making them visible through the skin, increased hair growth.  Long-term use of topical steroids like Beta Ointment may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently and this may slow down the growth rate in children.  

When should Beta Ointment not be used?

You should not use Beta Ointment if you:

• are allergic to betamethasone or any ingredients in Beta Ointment
• have a viral infection of the skin, tuberculosis, acne rosacea (a chronic skin condition), perioral dermatitis (facial rash around the mouth), fungal skin infections and ulcerative conditions
• have damaged skin
• are pregnant or breastfeeding without discussion with your doctor

How should Beta Ointment be used?

You should apply a thin film Beta Ointment 0.1% to the affected area of skin 2-3 times daily at first and then you can reduce this to once daily as your skin condition improves.  You can use your Beta Ointment 0.1% on skin that is moist or weeping.  Gently rub the Ointment into the skin and always wash your hands after applying the medication to make sure you don’t get any in your eyes, nose or mouth.  Beta Ointment 0.1% is intended for short term use and if used in children or on the face, you should not use it for more than 3 weeks without visiting your doctor.  You should use Beta Ointment 0.1% Ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor and depending on your condition; long term continuous use should be avoided as it can cause problems.

How long should you take Beta Ointment?

You should use Beta Ointment 0.1% Ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor and depending on your condition; long term continuous use should be avoided as it can cause problems.

Missed dose of Beta Ointment

If you miss a dose of Beta Ointment take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Beta Ointment be stored?

You should store your Beta Ointment below 25°C in a cool dry place.