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If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999.
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Betnovate ointment is a prescription-only potent steroid containing betamethasone valerate 0.122% (equivalent to 0.1% betamethasone). It calms the redness and itching of eczema, dermatitis and localised psoriasis, applied thinly once or twice a day for up to 4 weeks. The ointment base is greasier and is often preferred for dry, scaly or thickened skin. For adults, after an online consultation with a UK prescriber.
This service is for adults 18 and over. Betnovate ointment is a potent steroid: use a thin layer for no more than 4 weeks unless your prescriber says otherwise. Don’t use it on the face, groin or genitals, on broken or infected skin, or near your eyes. If your skin becomes more red, hot, painful or weepy, get advice the same day.
Order before 3pm — same-day dispatch (MON - FRI)
~5 min consultation
Secure & confidential · Reviewed by a UK prescriber
Suitable age
18 years and over
Max per order
3 tubes (3 x 30g)
Consultation
Yes, online consultation
Betnovate ointment contains betamethasone valerate 0.122%, a potent topical corticosteroid (steroid). It reduces skin inflammation, helping ease the redness, swelling and itching associated with eczema (including atopic eczema), contact dermatitis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. It can also be used for certain localised patches of psoriasis, but not widespread plaque psoriasis. The ointment base is greasier than the cream and is often preferred for dry, scaly or thickened skin. If you’re looking for Betnovate ointment for eczema or dermatitis, a prescriber must first check that this potent steroid is suitable for your symptoms and the area affected. Betnovate is a brand name; the same active ingredient is sold as betamethasone valerate ointment. Our Betnovate uses guide explains each condition in more detail.
The usual adult dose is a thin layer once or twice a day, for up to 4 weeks. Once the skin improves, your prescriber may tell you to use it less often or switch to a milder steroid such as hydrocortisone or Eumovate. An ointment suits dry, scaly or thickened skin; for moist or weeping areas, the cream is sometimes preferred. Because it is a strong steroid, it isn’t for the face, groin or genitals, or for skin that is infected, and it shouldn’t be used continuously for longer than prescribed.
Betnovate is a prescription-only medicine, so you can’t buy it over the counter in the UK. You can order it online from our UK pharmacy after a short online consultation. A prescriber reviews your answers to check it’s safe and suitable for you. If it’s approved before 3pm, Monday to Friday, your ointment is dispatched the same day in plain, discreet packaging: choose Royal Mail Tracked 48, Tracked 24 or Special Delivery guaranteed by 1pm next working day. You can also see all our eczema and dermatitis treatments
| Medicine type | Potent topical corticosteroid (steroid) ointment |
| Active ingredient | Betamethasone valerate 0.122% w/w (equivalent to 0.1% betamethasone) |
| Form and pack | Ointment, 30g & 100g tubes |
| Licensed for | Inflammatory and itchy steroid-responsive skin conditions, including eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis (other than widespread plaque psoriasis) |
| Dose | Thin layer once or twice a day, for up to 4 weeks |
| Review | See your GP if no better in 2 to 4 weeks |
| Not for | Face, groin or genitals, infected skin, rosacea, acne |
| Prescription status | Prescription-only medicine (POM) |
| Suitable for | Adults 18 and over |
| Price | £15.99 (1 x 30g tube) |
Betnovate ointment may be suitable if you:
are 18 or over;
have eczema, dermatitis or localised psoriasis that a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has diagnosed or that you’ve had before;
have a flare-up on the body, arms or legs that a milder steroid hasn’t settled;
have dry, scaly or thickened skin where an ointment is preferred.
This service isn’t suitable if you:
are under 18;
have a rash you haven’t had checked, or itching without a rash;
have signs of infection: weeping, crusting, yellow or honey-coloured scabs, pus, cold sores, or a ring-shaped scaly rash;
have rosacea, acne or perioral dermatitis (a rash around the mouth);
want to treat the face, eyelids, groin, genitals or anus;
have widespread plaque psoriasis or pustular psoriasis;
are allergic to betamethasone, chlorocresol or cetostearyl alcohol.
Tell the prescriber if you:
are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding (use only if the benefit outweighs the risk; never on the breasts while feeding);
take ritonavir, itraconazole or other medicines that affect how steroids are broken down;
have used a steroid cream or ointment for more than 4 weeks in a row, or have thinning skin or stretch marks from one;
have glaucoma or cataracts, or a leg ulcer;
have kidney or liver disease;
have had a rebound flare after stopping a steroid cream or ointment.
Betnovate ointment contains betamethasone valerate 0.122%, a potent steroid. It reduces inflammation, so it eases the redness and itching of steroid-responsive skin conditions such as eczema, contact and seborrhoeic dermatitis, and psoriasis other than widespread plaque psoriasis. The ointment base is greasier and is often preferred for dry, scaly or thickened skin. It isn’t an antibiotic or antifungal, so it doesn’t treat infections. Our Betnovate uses guide has more detail.
Yes. Betamethasone valerate is a corticosteroid, and Betnovate is classed as potent (group III). That is stronger than hydrocortisone 1% (mild) and Eumovate (moderate), and weaker than Dermovate (very potent). Strong steroids are used for the shortest time that works, so follow the dose you’re given.
Yes, but not without a prescription. Betnovate is a prescription-only medicine, so you can’t buy it over the counter. At Access Doctor you complete a short online consultation, a UK prescriber reviews it, and if it’s suitable for you our UK pharmacy dispenses and delivers it. A 30g tube is £ 15.99.
Yes, Betnovate needs a prescription. You can get one online by completing our consultation: a prescriber reviews your answers and decides whether Betnovate ointment is right for you. They may recommend a different treatment or ask you to see your GP in person. A private online prescription is an alternative to waiting for a GP appointment, and your GP can also prescribe it on the NHS.
A 30g tube of Betnovate ointment is £15.99. The price includes your online consultation, review by a prescriber and dispensing by our UK pharmacy. Delivery is free on orders over £40; see options. On the NHS in England, a prescription charge applies unless you’re exempt.
They contain the same strength of betamethasone valerate. The ointment is greasier and is often preferred for dry, scaly or thickened skin. The cream is water-based and less greasy, which suits moist or weeping areas and skin that isn’t very dry. See our Betnovate cream page for the full comparison. For the scalp, there’s a separate Betnovate scalp application.
Apply a thin layer once or twice a day to the affected skin, for up to 4 weeks. A fingertip unit (about 0.5g) covers an area about twice the size of your flat hand. Once the skin improves, use it less often or switch to a milder steroid as advised. If there’s no improvement in 2 to 4 weeks, see your GP.
It can be used on small patches of psoriasis, such as on the elbows and knees, where the ointment is often preferred for thick plaques. It isn’t licensed for widespread plaque psoriasis, because of the risk of the condition flaring or becoming pustular when a strong steroid is used over large areas. Psoriasis on the scalp is usually treated with a scalp application; see Betnovate Scalp. A GP or dermatologist should review psoriasis that is widespread or hasn’t responded.
No, not through this service. Strong steroids can thin the skin on the face and may damage the eyes, and the licence says to avoid prolonged facial use (a course of no more than 5 days if a doctor prescribes it). Betnovate must not be used for itching of the groin, genitals or anus. Speak to your GP or pharmacist, who can suggest a milder treatment.
We only supply Betnovate to adults aged 18 and over. Children can be prescribed it by their GP or specialist, but only for short courses, because their skin absorbs more of the steroid. It must not be used under the age of 1.
The product information says there is limited experience in pregnancy, so it should only be used if the benefit to you outweighs the risk to the baby, using the smallest amount for the shortest time. When breastfeeding, the same applies, and it shouldn’t be put on the breasts. Tell us if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and don’t stop treating a flare-up without advice.
The most common side effects are itching or burning where it’s applied. Thinning of the skin, stretch marks and visible small blood vessels are very rare, and mostly follow long or heavy use, use on thin skin or under dressings. That is why the advice is a thin layer, for no more than 4 weeks. See Tab 3 for the full list and when to get help.
Not on its own. A steroid can make an untreated infection worse. If your eczema is weeping, crusted or painful, or you have a ring-shaped scaly rash, see your GP or pharmacist for an antibiotic or antifungal. Some people are given a steroid combined with an antibiotic. Our guide on steroid and antibiotic creams for infected eczema explains more.
They are steroid creams and ointments of different strengths. Hydrocortisone 1% is mild and is the usual starting point, including for the face. Eumovate (clobetasone 0.05%) is moderate. Betnovate (betamethasone valerate) is potent. Dermovate (clobetasol) is very potent and used for short courses on thick or stubborn skin. Your prescriber picks the weakest strength likely to work. See our Dermovate cream page.
Improvement is often (not always) noticeable within the first few days to a week, as the itch and redness settle. The product information says to review your treatment if the skin hasn’t improved after 2 to 4 weeks, or if it gets worse. Keep your emollient going after the steroid has settled the flare-up.
Because Betnovate is a prescription-only medicine, a high street pharmacy also needs a prescription. We’re an online pharmacy, so you can complete the consultation from home. Generic betamethasone valerate ointment contains the same active ingredient, but the ointment base can differ, so your prescriber may supply one or the other.
Helpful articles and clinical guides related to this treatment category.
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