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Betacap Scalp
Betacap Scalp Solution contains Betamethasone, a strong and fast-acting corticosteroid. For use on the scalp to treat skin conditions including psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
What is Betacap Scalp?
Betacap scalp application contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, this is a topical corticosteroid.
Corticosteroids are used for many conditions to reduce inflammation. Inflammation of the skin/scalp happens due to over activation of immune response chemicals that are normally protective.
These substances cause blood vessels to dilate, the resultant skin/scalp becomes red, swollen, itchy and painful, such as is seen in dermatitis or eczema.
When betamethasone is applied to the scalp, it acts inside the cells and dampens the release of inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itching.
Corticosteroids applied to the skin have various potencies. Betamethasone valerate 0.1% is classed as a potent corticosteroid. It is prescribed to treat inflammatory scalp disorders such as eczema and psoriasis that have not responded to weaker corticosteroids.
In most cases, it is applied to the affected areas twice daily to help ease swelling and discomfort.
How to use Betacap Scalp
- The liquid should be applied sparingly to the areas of the scalp that need treating using the nozzle of the bottle.
- Rub the liquid into your scalp if you wish, but then leave it to dry. The betamethasone will be left on the scalp – it should not be washed off (for at least 4 hours).
- Take care to avoid the scalp application running onto the face or into the eyes. Rinse with cold water in case of contact.
- Avoid applying it to broken skin.
- Wash your hands after applying the scalp application to avoid a transfer.
- The scalp application 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 may be necessary to control flare-ups of psoriasis or eczema, but should only be started on the advice of your doctor.
Important information
- Betacap scalp application contains flammable alcohol. Do not use it near naked flames or lit objects.
- This medicine 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 liquid thinly to the affected areas of the scalp.
- 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.
- 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 you think the area of skin you are treating has become infected you should stop using this medicine and consult your doctor.
Side effects & precautions
Psoriasis
If you have been prescribed this medicine to treat scalp 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.
Betacap scalp application should not be used in:
Children (can only be given by your own doctor or dermatologist)
Skin infected with viruses (eg chickenpox, shingles), fungi (eg ringworm) or bacteria (eg impetigo).
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
This medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.
The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just 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 this medicine 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.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think it’s necessary they’ll report it for you.
You can also report side effects yourself using the yellow card website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Betacap Scalp Q&A
Can I use Betacap Scalp Application for life?
It may be the case that you will be required to use this over a prolonged period of time to alleviate your symptoms.
Please note, long term use of corticosteroids or their use on large areas (broken skin) will lead to increasing amounts of the steroid being absorbed into your bloodstream. This will increase the risks of side effects associated with corticosteroids. We recommend that this treatment should not be used long term without close monitoring from your doctor.
What is Betacap Scalp Application used for?
It is used to treat Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.
It contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, which is a corticosteroid. Topical (for use on skin and scalp) corticosteroids are medicines used for reducing inflammation.
Inflammation happens due to irritation of the skin which causes the release of certain substances that are important for the immune system. These substances cause local blood vessels to dilate, an increase in blood flow leads to the irritated area becoming red, inflamed, itchy and painful.
Betacap works by blocking the skin cells from releasing the inflammatory substances; therefore, reducing swelling, redness and itching.
Betamethasone valerate 0.1% is classed as a potent corticosteroid. Betacap scalp application is used to treat inflammatory disorders of the scalp.
Best way to use it?
Always apply the liquid sparingly to the areas of the scalp that are affected using the nozzle attached to the bottle. Some patients gain better results by rubbing the liquid into the scalp but this is not essential. Ensure the liquid is left to dry on the skin, this will leave a thin film of betamethasone on the scalp (do not wash off). If you have had a shower or washed your hair, always dry your hair first before applying Betacap.
The runny solution can easily get onto the face, if it gets into your eyes rinse with cold water.
Try to avoid applying Betacap on broken skin.
Always wash your hands after use to avoid transferring to other areas.
The recommended frequency of use is twice daily, reduce this to once daily when symptoms and then stop if the symptoms have resolved.
If there is no improvement after 2-4 weeks consult your own doctor. Repeat use is often necessary to control flare-ups.
Advantages of buying online
It is much quicker and easier to obtain if you order it online, for example, there is no need to make lengthy GP phone calls and wait in the pharmacy queue.
Our prices are super competitive, if you order more than one bottle it can work out cheaper than the NHS prescription cost.
We offer same day dispatch for orders placed before 4pm (subject to our Doctors approval) and fast delivery with Royal Mail.
Documentation
Betacap Scalp Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
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