Betamethasone 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