Topical betamethasone (Diprolene) is used to treat and relieve uncomfortable symptoms of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Psoriasis is a common, often chronic, skin condition that causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on various parts of the body. The elbows, knees, scalp, feet, lower back, and genitals are the most common areas affected by psoriasis. These patches of inflamed skin are called plaques.

Psoriasis is caused by an overreactive immune system that generates new skin cells at rapid rates. When these skin cells are produced quickly, they begin to build upon the surface of the skin. This leads to the patchy, scaly skin symptomatic of psoriasis.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes your skin to become itchy, red, and scaly. It is a chronic but non-contagious condition that may be accompanied by other symptoms of irritation or allergic reaction, such as asthma. In most cases, eczema flares up when the skin is exposed to an irritant or allergen but subsides after some time. Some people may experience flare-ups and healing periods several times a year.

Common symptoms of these conditions include:

• Dry skin
  
• Itchy skin
  
• Cracked, leathery, or scaly skin
  
• Red rashes
  
• Small bumps on the skin that may leak fluid
  

Betamethasone is classified as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroid medications work by stopping your immune system from overreacting to triggers; essentially, blocking certain proteins that cause inflammation, itching, and redness.

No matter how or where it is used, betamethasone works by inhibiting these responses - which can help ease uncomfortable systems and reduce the potentially uncomfortable effects of inflammation.

Betamethasone has been shown to cause some side effects. If these mild reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects of topical betamethasone medications include:

• Itching, irritation, or dryness of the skin
  
• Hair growth
  
• Small red bumps on the skin
  
• Acne
  
• Shiny skin
  
• Bruising
  
• Skin color changes
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions caused by betamethasone. Call your doctor right away if you experience any form of severe skin rash, redness, or itching.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking. Betamethasone can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

The typical starting dose of betamethasone depends on your diagnosis, age, and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. These topical medications are applied to the affected area 2 times a day (in the AM and PM) for 1 week. If the condition does not begin to improve, your doctor may increase your dosage or adjust treatment as needed.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of betamethasone without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Betamethasone is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not betamethasone is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.