Betamethasone for Eczema

Overview
Betamethasone is a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inflammation and itching associated with skin conditions responsive to corticosteroids. Betamethasone may be sold as a generic drug or under brands including Diprolene and Valisone.

Betamethasone is a highly potent corticosteroid. Betamethasone is believed to work by suppressing immune system activity.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that betamethasone is generally applied topically to the affected area one to four times a day. This drug should not be used on the face, groin, or armpits.

Betamethasone comes in different strengths and forms, including lotion, cream, ointment, and aerosol spray.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for betamethasone lists common side effects including dryness, cracking, stinging, burning, itching, and change in skin color. Topical corticosteroids have also been known to cause red or white bumps on the skin, acne, excessive hair growth, skin atrophy (thinning, wrinkling, or visible depressions of the skin), stretch marks, spider veins, and perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth).

Rare but serious side effects for corticosteroids include high blood sugar and reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression (a dysfunction of the adrenal system).

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Betamethasone Topical — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682799.html

Prescription Topicals — National Eczema Association
https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/top...