Betnovate Lotion contains the active ingredient Betamethasone Valerate, which is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid. Betnovate Lotion is thinner and easier to apply to the scalp than Betnovate Ointment and Cream. It is used to treat inflammatory disorders of the scalp.

The liquid should be applied sparingly to the areas of the scalp that need treating using the nozzle of the bottle. You can rub the liquid into your scalp if you wish, but then leave it to dry. The Betnovate Lotion will be left on the scalp - it should not be washed off. If you need to wash your hair you should wash and dry your hair before applying the scalp lotion.

Betnovate Lotion is usually applied twice a day. As soon as the condition starts to improve, you should use it less frequently, as directed by your doctor. If there is no improvement in your scalp after two to four weeks of treatment you should consult your doctor. Repeat courses maybe necessary to control flare-ups of psoriasis or eczema, but should only be started on the advice of your doctor.

Not to be used in: children under one year of age; skin infected with viruses (eg chickenpox, shingles), fungi (eg ringworm) or bacteria (eg impetigo).

Betnovate Lotion should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect: skin irritation at site of application, such as burning and itching; allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis). Thinning of the skin. Stretch marks (striae). Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia). Changes in skin pigmentation. Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis).

Prolonged use of Betnovate Lotion on extensive areas of skin, broken or raw skin, or underneath airtight dressings may on rare occasions result in enough corticosteroid being absorbed to have side effects on other parts of the body, for example a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. See warning section above.