Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Betamethasone topical is employed for the treatment of itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort associated with various skin conditions. This includes psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by the formation of red, scaly patches on certain areas of the body, and eczema, a skin condition leading to dry, itchy skin and the development of red, scaly rashes.
Betamethasone belongs to a class of medications known as corticosteroids. Its mechanism of action involves activating natural substances in the skin to mitigate swelling, redness, and itching.
Uses and Dosage
Apply this medication exclusively on the skin, avoiding use on the face, groin, or underarms unless specifically directed by your doctor.
Before application, wash and dry your hands. Clean and dry the affected area. Follow your doctor’s instructions and gently rub a thin film of the medication onto the affected area, usually 1 to 3 times daily. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the treated area unless directed by your doctor.
After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using it to treat the hands. When applying near the eyes, take care to avoid getting it in the eyes to prevent the potential worsening or onset of glaucoma. Avoid contact with the nose or mouth. If the medication does come into contact with these areas, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
Use this medication solely for the prescribed condition and avoid using it for a longer duration than instructed.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 2 weeks of use.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- burning, itching, irritation, stinging, redness, or dryness of the skin
- acne
- unwanted hair growth
- skin color changes
- bruising or shiny skin
- tiny red bumps or rash around the mouth
- small white or red bumps on the skin
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- severe rash
- redness, swelling, or other signs of skin infection in the place where you applied betamethasone
Caution
- Before using betamethasone, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, other corticosteroids, or if you have any other allergies. The product may contain inactive ingredients that could lead to allergic reactions or other issues.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have poor blood circulation, diabetes, or immune system problems.
- Do not use this medication if there is an infection or sore in the area to be treated.
- In rare instances, prolonged or extensive use of corticosteroid medications may reduce the body’s ability to respond to physical stress. Inform your doctor or dentist before surgery, emergency treatment, or if you experience a serious illness or injury, especially if you have used this medication in the past few months.
- While it is unlikely, prolonged use of this medication in children may temporarily slow down their growth. Regular check-ups with the doctor are recommended to monitor your child’s height.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when necessary, after discussing the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is uncertain whether this drug passes into breast milk, but similar medications do. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Diprolene Ointment is available in the following forms and strengths:
- betamethasone dipropionate ointment:
- 0.05 %
FAQ
How long does it take for Diprolene Lotion to work?
This medication requires several days to take effect.
Why should I not use Diprolene Lotion on my face?
The skin on your face is delicate, so if Diprolene skin treatments thin the skin or damage it, it’s particularly noticeable.
Resources
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medications/betamethasone-valerate-topical#:~:text=Side%20Effects,body%20adjusts%20to%20the%20medication
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/betamethasone-skin/common-questions-about-betamethasone-for-skin/#:~:text=How%20long%20does%20it%20take,gets%20worse%20at%20any%20time
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/betamethasone-dipropionate-topical-application-route/side-effects/drg-20073667
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1212/diprolene-topical/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682799.html
- https://www.drugs.com/betamethasone-topical.html
