Betnovate RD Cream

Betnovate RD contains a diluted form of the corticosteroid, Betamethasone, and is classed as ‘moderately potent’- suitable for milder forms of dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. It has inflammatory and anti-itch properties. It belongs to a group of medicines called steroids that reduce swelling, redness and irritation. It can also be used for conditions such as local allergic reactions to insect bites and contact dermatitis (e.g., an allergy to metals found in jewellery, or to hair dye). It is designed to use for short -term control of flares of inflammation and should not be used continuously.

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that acts on the skin to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. It also helps make the skin less red, hot, itchy and irritated. Topical steroids have anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, anti-proliferative and vasoconstrictive properties. It more simple terms, they can help narrow blood vessels in the skin and reduce the amount of inflammatory chemicals being released- this in turn reduces swelling, itchiness and pain.

• Apply Once or Twice a day as directed by your pharmacist or doctor. This may be reduced as your skin begins to get better.
• Spread Thinly- A fingertip amount of cream or ointment will cover the same area as that of 2 palms of your hands. See the ‘Topical Steroids Factsheet’ in our ‘Resources Section’ for more information on how much and where to apply.
• For Short Term Use Only- We generally recommend applying for 1-2 weeks at a time. Once your symptoms are controlled you may apply it once/twice every 1-2 weeks to keep symptoms at bay. You should not apply continuously for long periods, or on large areas, as this can cause unwanted side effects and can be dangerous.
• Try to apply the cream using a ‘smoothing’ motion as opposed to ‘rubbing in’; and apply in the direction of hair growth on the skin to prevent hair follicles getting blocked.
• If your skin is dry, you may want to apply the steroid cream soon after bathing/showering or applying an emollient first. We advise to leave a small gap of 10-15minutes between applying steroids and emollients preparations to prevent diluting the steroid and spreading it to areas of skin that don’t need it.
• This cream is for use on your skin only and do not use more than the amount prescribed for you.
• If you are applying the cream on someone else, make sure you wash your hands after use or wear disposable plastic gloves.
• If your skin problem does not improve in 2 to 4 weeks, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

•        Do not use the product if you are allergic (hypersensitive) or suspect allergy to any of the ingredients contained within it.

•        Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

•        For external use only- do not swallow and keep away from eyes.

•        Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns.

•        Do not use on a child under 1 year of age.

•        Do not use to treat any of the following skin problems, it could make them worse: - acne - severe flushing of skin on and around your nose (rosacea) - spotty red rash around your mouth (perioral dermatitis) - itching around your back passage or private parts - infected skin (unless the infection is being treated with an anti-infective medicine at the same time) - itchy skin which is not inflamed.

•        Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using topical Betamethasone products if:

You have previously had an allergic reaction with another steroid, you are applying the cream under an airtight dressing (including a child’s nappy), you have psoriasis, you are using for a chronic leg ulcer (you may be at increased risk of local allergic reaction or infection), you are applying to a large surface area, you are applying the cream on broken skin or within the skin folds, you are applying near eyes or on eyelids (cataracts or glaucoma may result if the cream repeatedly enters the eye), you have an infection of the skin (as this will need to be treated), you are applying to thin skin such as the face or on children (their skin is thinner than adults and as a result may absorb larger amounts).

•        Use on children or on the face should be limited to 5 days.

•        Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

•        Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicine, especially if you are taking ritonavir and itraconazole medications.

This medication is considered safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, you should wash off any steroid cream applied to your breasts before feeding your baby.

Active Ingredients: Betamethasone Valerate 0.025%

Other Ingredients: Cetostearyl alcohol, cetomacrogol 1000, white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, chlorocresol, disodium hydrogen phosphate, citric acid monohydrate and purified water

All medications and products can potentially cause side effects- If they are severe, or are mild and do not improve, then you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This list may not be exhaustive so please consult the patient information leaflet for the full list.


Common Side effects (affecting 1%- 10% of people): A feeling of burning, pain, irritation or itching where the cream is applied.

There are many other Eczema treatments available which are listed in our Eczema guide. If you need help choosing, then start a quick questionnaire-based consultation or book in for a friendly telephone or video consultation with one of our dermatology pharmacists.