The betamethasone topical is an antifungal cream used to treat infections such as itching of athlete’s foot or irritations intimate areas such as the groin, allowing the elimination of redness, stinging, dryness and swelling.
It is composed mainly, as its name implies, of betamethasone and clotrimazole. The cream also works as a corticosteroid, which consists of hormones from groups of steroids.
If you want to know more about this cream, its mode of use, indications and side effects, we invite you to join us in reading.
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Specific uses of betamethasone cream
Betamethasone cream is used to heal coloration, inflammation, itching, scabs, peeling or any kind of discomfort that is caused by a superficial infection, that is, flush with the skin. Some diseases that cause these types of infections are psoriasis and eczema.
It should be used by applying once or twice a day an amount of cream that covers the entire affected area evenly. The irritation or swelling that is causing the infection should disappear in a maximum period of two weeks; in case of not improving, the patient should consult with his trusted doctor the possible causes of this.
The affected area should not be covered or wrapped while using the cream, as this can harm the condition of the irritated skin, making it worse. Likewise, it is extremely important that the affected area is not wet when applying the product, it must be carefully dried to avoid unwanted reactions.
How to apply betamethasone?
This medicine is applied once or twice a day to the area affected by irritation and it is recommended not to use it more times than indicated or on parts of the body that are not infected.
Likewise, it is forbidden to place it near the eyes or mouth. Its storage must be in a well closed container, at an ambient temperature between approximately 15 and 30 degrees C. It cannot be left frozen as this could be counterproductive. The storage of all medications is of utmost importance for their correct maintenance and effectiveness.
Avoid placing it in areas where the skin is creating friction continuously or must be very covered, such as the armpits or any other part of the skin where folds are formed, as well as in the case of babies, if the cream is applied on the diaper area, it is best not to put clothes or other diapers that fit tightly in the area.
If it is necessary to use it on any part of the body like this, it should be consulted first with a doctor, as this could influence the irritation in a negative way.
The most advisable thing with this and any medicine linked to skin irritations is that the affected area be kept as fresh and airy as possible, since the more covered it is, the less likely it is that the infection will disappear correctly and on the contrary, it can seriously worsen your condition and cause it to spread.
Who can use this medicine?
This antifungal cream can be used in adults and children over two years of age. In the case of children, it is recommended that it be applied under medical supervision.
If the patient is pregnant while she is undergoing treatment or is breastfeeding, she should inform her trusted doctor so that he can tell her whether or not she can continue using the medicine and to what extent it can be used.
Also, if the affected patient plans to undergo surgery, whatever type it may be, you should inform your doctor that you are using this product, mainly to ensure that it does not cause any negative effects if they have to apply some other type of substance, such as anesthesia.
Can it be used at the same time as other medications?
If you are taking other types of medications, whether they are prescription drugs, vitamins, among others, it is advisable to consult a trusted doctor before using this product.
It is important to rule out allergies to betamethasone or other components that are part of this drug.
It is also necessary to inform a doctor before using the product, if you suffer from thinning of the skin, injuries or extensive burns on the body, as well as problems related to blood circulation.
Precautions
It is crucial to keep it out of the reach of children and not to ingest this medication by mouth, as well as not allow cream to enter the eyes, since it is a medication for topical use only.
If the infection has not disappeared in a maximum of two weeks, or if it reappears after stopping betamethasone, a specialist should be consulted to evaluate the reasons. This medicine should not be applied to your own judgment for longer than indicated, as this could further damage the condition of the affected area on the skin or cause more contraindications.
Once this product has expired, it should be discarded and not kept for much longer, nor applied after its expiration date, as this could be counterproductive on the skin.
What side effects can betamethasone cause?
This medicine may cause any of the side effects listed below:
- Darkening of the skin or spots.
- Body hair growth.
- Rash, dryness, and burning of the skin.
- Swelling of the face (in areas such as the lips and tongue).
- Loss of sensitivity in the area of the skin where it is being applied.
- Red or white blisters on the skin.
In case of presenting any type of infection, extreme itching in the area where the medicine is applied, or the discomfort that was trying to cure with it worsens, a doctor should be informed.
Young children and adults over 65 are the most likely to suffer any of these secondary symptoms, so it should be consulted if the situation warrants special indications, of lower doses.
In case of ingesting the medicine, medical attention is required as soon as possible. It is essential to keep it out of the reach of children.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
