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Corticosteroids (topical - potent)

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Apply as directed by your doctor, usually not more than twice daily.
Spread thinly, using the specified number of fingertip units.
Corticosteroids (topical- potent) should not be used on broken or infected skin.

About corticosteroids (topical - potent)

Type of medicine	Corticosteroid
Used for	Treatment of eczema in children and adults in whom lower strength preparations have not worked Scalp conditions such as psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis, where lower strength preparations have not worked Treatment of other severe skin conditions
Also called	Betacap® (betamethasone valerate) Bettamousse® (betamethasone valerate) Betnovate® (betamethasone valerate) Cutivate® (fluticasone propionate) Diprosone® (betamethasone dipropionate) Elocon® (mometasone furoate) Locoid® (hydrocortisone butyrate) Locoid Crelo® (hydrocortisone butyrate) Metosyn® (fluocinonide) Nerisone® (diflucortolone valerate) Synalar® (fluocinolone acetonide)
Available as	Scalp application Foam Cream Ointment Lotion Lipocream Oily cream

Corticosteroids (topical - potent) work by being absorbed into the skin cells, and stopping these cells from producing chemicals which cause inflammation.

Before using corticosteroids (topical - potent)

Before using corticosteroids (topical - potent) make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have any areas of infected skin.
If you suffer from acne rosacea.
If you suffer from perioral dermatitis (skin rash around the mouth).
If you suffer from widespread plaque psoriasis (characterised by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery white scale and typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back).

How to use corticosteroids (topical - potent)

Apply as directed by your doctor, usually not more than twice daily.
Spread thinly, using the specified number of fingertip units.
A fingertip unit is the amount of topical steroid that is squeezed out from a standard tube along an adults fingertip. As an example, 2 finger tip units will treat both hands or one foot in an adult.

Getting the most from your treatment

Do not apply to the face or skin flexures (inside of elbows, backs of knees) unless directed to by your doctor.
The use of corticosteroids (topical - potent) in psoriasis may cause relapse, or pustular psoriasis (psoriasis with clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus)- if this happens, stop using your corticosteroids (topical - potent) and contact your doctor immediately.
If using corticosteroids (topical - potent) in children, limit treatment to 5 - 7 days only.
Long-term use is generally discouraged. If you see no improvement after a two weeks, see your doctor again.
Do not cover the area treated with corticosteroids (topical - potent) unless directed to by your doctor.

Can corticosteroids topical (potent) cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who use this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Spread and worsening of untreated infection	Contact your doctor
Thinning of the skin	This may improve once treatment has stopped
Discoloration of skin	This may disappear once treatment has stopped
Burning of skin, itching	Speak to your doctor if this persists.

Sometimes, the absorption of corticosteroids (topical - potent) through the skin can cause adrenal suppression and Cushing's syndrome, generally when treatment is carried out on a large surface area, for a long time. Signs of adrenal suppression include stomach pain, weight loss, feeling or being sick, headache.
In addition, you may notice changes in hair growth as a result of repeated courses of topical steroids over a long time. Stretch marks may also develop.

How to store corticosteroids topical (potent)

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
If you suspect that you or someone else has swallowed some of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Summary of Product Characteristics, Betnovate® Cream, GlaxoSmithkline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated 25 January 2005, accessed 10 January 2008
Summary of Product Characteristics, Betnovate® RD Cream, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised February 2005, accessed December 2007.
Manufacturer's PIL, Betnovate® Cream, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2004, accessed 10 July 2008.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3199

DocRef:
dils2010

Last Updated:
4 Feb 2008

Date of Next Review:
3 Feb 2010

Version:
23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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