Betnovate Scalp Lotion contains the active ingredient Betamethasone valerate, which is a type of medicine called topical corticosteroids used for reducing inflammation that may have been caused by an allergy or irritation. Inflammation is caused by a release of substances that are important to the immune system. This causes the blood vessels to widen, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, itchy, swollen, itchy and painful like with eczema and dermatitis.

When the Betamethasone is applied to the skin it works in the cells to reduce the release of these substances in order to reduce symptoms of skin inflammation. The Betnovate Scalp Lotion is thinner than the Betnovate creams, lotions and ointments in order to make it easier to apply to the scalp. 

The Betnovate Scalp Lotion should be applied sparingly to the affected areas of the scalp. Apply treatment using the nozzle of the bottle. Rub the lotion into the scalp if you wish, as long as it is always left to dry and is not washed off. If you need to wash your hair, make sure it is washed and dried before application. Application usually starts at twice daily, however as soon as the condition improves it should be used less frequently, as long as you’re following the directions given to you by your doctor. Repeat courses may be necessary to control flare ups of your condition. 

Betnovate Scalp Lotion contains flammable alcohol. Do not use it near naked flames or lit objects, such as gas and electric fires and lit cigarettes, or near other sources of heat such as hairdryers.

Betnovate Scalp Lotion is for external use on the scalp only. It must not be used on the face or any other part of the body apart from the scalp. Apply the lotion thinly to the affected areas of the scalp. Take care to avoid the scalp application running onto the face or into the eyes. Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs. Avoid applying it to broken skin. Wash your hands after applying the Betnovate Scalp Lotion to avoid accidentally transferring it to other areas. 

If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw or broken skin, or under airtight dressings they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of Betnovate Scalp Lotion should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only cover the affected area if instructed by your doctor. If you find you still need to use this medicine after two to four weeks because your skin has not improved you should consult your doctor. If Betnovate Scalp Lotion is used to treat a child it should not usually be used for longer than five to seven days.

If you have been prescribed Betnovate Scalp Lotion to treat psoriasis you should have regular check-ups with your doctor. This is because although corticosteroids may be useful for psoriasis in the short-term, they can sometimes make psoriasis worse, and may cause the condition to relapse into generalised pustular psoriasis after the treatment is stopped.

If you think the area of skin you are treating has become infected you should stop using Betnovate Scalp Lotion and consult your doctor.

Betnovate Scalp Lotion should not be used if you have any known sensitivity or allergy to its ingredients. You should not use this medication if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless otherwise indicated by your doctor.

Please contact your doctor or medical practitioner to understand more about the side effects of taking Betnovate Scalp Lotion.