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Betamethasone (betamethasone)
Available Online
Topical
Daily
Available by Prescription
As Low as $
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  • Fast relief within 2-3 weeks
  • 76-94% of patients see significant improvement
  • More effective against infected eczema when combined with antibiotics
  • Can damage skin barrier with long-term use
  • May cause skin thinning
How well does Betamethasone work?
Betamethasone is above average for atopic dermatitis "Steroids" treatments.
What is the evidence behind Betamethasone?
Betamethasone is effective at reducing inflammation and symptoms of eczema, with studies showing 76-94% of patients experiencing significant improvement within 2-3 weeks of treatment.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Both betamethasone and tacrolimus treatments effectively reduced eczema severity and inflammation. Betamethasone was better at reducing inflammation, while tacrolimus was better at improving skin hydration.

Skin and systemic inflammation in adults with atopic dermatitis before and after whole-body topical betamethasone 17-valerate 0.1% or tacrolimus 0.1% treatment: A randomized controlled study
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 36
Severity: moderate
Age: 18+
Results
Both treatments effectively reduced disease severity
What are other patients saying?
While betamethasone provides quick relief, long-term use may damage the skin barrier and cause skin thinning. It's better suited for short-term treatment of severe flares rather than long-term maintenance therapy.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Both betamethasone and pimecrolimus improved skin barrier function and reduced symptoms in atopic dermatitis. While betamethasone was better at reducing symptoms, it caused skin thinning, making pimecrolimus potentially better for long-term use.

Different effects of pimecrolimus and betamethasone on the skin barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 15
Severity: not available
Age: not available
Results
Betamethasone was more effective at reducing clinical symptoms
Study Summary

Betamethasone was more effective at reducing inflammation compared to pimecrolimus in atopic dermatitis skin samples. However, betamethasone may impair skin barrier repair, while pimecrolimus helps maintain it, suggesting pimecrolimus might be better for long-term treatment.

Gene expression is differently affected by pimecrolimus and betamethasone in lesional skin of atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Clinical Trial
Studied Population
Severity: not available
Age: not available
Results
Study Summary

In people with controlled atopic dermatitis, betamethasone cream damaged the skin barrier after 4 weeks of use, while tacrolimus ointment improved skin barrier function. Tacrolimus was better at maintaining skin hydration and natural moisturizing factors.

The effect of tacrolimus compared with betamethasone valerate on the skin barrier in volunteers with quiescent atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 20
Results
Tacrolimus was superior to betamethasone for maintaining skin barrier health
What are other patients saying?
When combined with antibacterial agents like fusidic acid, betamethasone is more effective at treating infected eczema, eliminating 67% of bacteria compared to 51% with betamethasone alone.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

A new cream containing fusidic acid and betamethasone (Fucicort Lipid cream) was found to be as effective as the existing cream formulation in treating infected atopic dermatitis. Both creams reduced severity scores by about 83% and cleared bacterial infection in about 90% of patients after 2 weeks of treatment.

An efficient new formulation of fusidic acid and betamethasone 17-valerate (fucicort lipid cream) for treatment of clinically infected atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 629
Severity: Not specified
Age: Not specified
Results
Both Fucicort formulations showed similar effectiveness, significantly better than vehicle
What are other patients saying?
Alternative treatments like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus may be better for long-term use as they improve skin barrier function without causing the skin thinning associated with betamethasone.
What does the research say?
Study Summary

Both tacrolimus and betamethasone improved skin barrier function during treatment. However, after stopping treatment, the benefits lasted longer with tacrolimus while the improvement from betamethasone partially wore off.

Comparative effect of tacrolimus and betamethasone valerate on the passive sustainable hydration of the stratum corneum in atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 21
Severity: moderate
Age: not available
Results
Both treatments improved skin barrier function, but tacrolimus benefits lasted longer after stopping treatment
Study Summary

In people with controlled atopic dermatitis, betamethasone cream damaged the skin barrier after 4 weeks of use, while tacrolimus ointment improved skin barrier function. Tacrolimus was better at maintaining skin hydration and natural moisturizing factors.

The effect of tacrolimus compared with betamethasone valerate on the skin barrier in volunteers with quiescent atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 20
Results
Tacrolimus was superior to betamethasone for maintaining skin barrier health
Study Summary

Both betamethasone and pimecrolimus improved skin barrier function and reduced symptoms in atopic dermatitis. While betamethasone was better at reducing symptoms, it caused skin thinning, making pimecrolimus potentially better for long-term use.

Different effects of pimecrolimus and betamethasone on the skin barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Studied Population
Total Patients: 15
Severity: not available
Age: not available
Results
Betamethasone was more effective at reducing clinical symptoms
What are other patients saying?
Is Betamethasone Right For Me?
What is Betamethasone?
Betamethasone is a high-potency topical corticosteroid cream that is applied directly to the skin to treat inflammation and itching.
What are the requirements for taking Betamethasone?
Betamethasone might be right for you if:

  • You are 13 years or older

  • You have a skin condition that responds to corticosteroids

  • You need treatment for inflammation and itching

How does Betamethasone work?
It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and itching in the skin. While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, it affects cellular signaling, immune function, and inflammation to help control skin symptoms.
Is it safe for children?
Not recommended for children under 13 years old due to risk of hormonal system suppression. Children are at higher risk of side effects because they absorb more of the medication relative to their body size.
Is it safe for elderly patients?
Generally safe for elderly patients. Clinical trials showed no overall differences in safety or effectiveness between older and younger patients, though some older individuals may be more sensitive to the medicine.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Use with caution. There may be an increased risk of having a low birth weight baby when using large amounts. Should be used on the smallest possible area for the shortest time needed. Animal studies have shown risk of birth defects.
Is it safe during breastfeeding?
Use with caution. It's unknown if it passes into breast milk. If needed while breastfeeding, use the smallest amount possible for the shortest time. Avoid applying directly to nipples and areolas.