Betnovate cream 30g is a strong, fast-acting steroid cream for eczema, dermatitis, and other stubborn skin conditions. It’s easy to apply, absorbs quickly, and should be used as directed—thinly, for short-term use of two weeks to control flare-ups [2]. It should not be applied on the face or broken skin [1].
Betnovate cream 30g is a prescription-only topical steroid designed for short-term relief from stubborn, inflamed skin.
Its active ingredient, betamethasone valerate, is a potent corticosteroid that tackles redness, swelling, and itching right at the source [1]. The cream is quickly absorbed, making it practical for daily use on most parts of the body, except the face or broken skin [2].
How much Betnovate cream do I apply?
This 30g tube is ideal for treating small patches of eczema, dermatitis, or allergic reactions.
For an adult treating an eczema flare with a steroid cream once a day for two weeks, you’ll generally need:
15–30 grams for your face and neck
15–30 grams for both hands
15–30 grams for your scalp
30–60 grams for both arms
100 grams for both legs
100 grams for your trunk (chest and back)
15–30 grams for the groin and genital area
Children usually need about half these amounts. If using the cream once a day doesn’t help enough, you can try applying it twice a day (as advised by your doctor) [2].
Additional information
Pack Size
1 x 30g, 1 x 100g
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What is Betnovate cream 30g?
Your expert guide to Betnovate cream 30g: fast, effective relief for irritated and inflamed skin.
Betnovate cream 30g is a prescription skin treatment that has helped thousands in the UK alleviate the itch, redness, and discomfort associated with eczema, dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin flare-ups. It’s easy to use, fast-acting, and trusted by both patients and doctors. This guide will walk you through what Betnovate cream 30g is, how it works, how to use it safely, and why it might be the answer you’re looking for.
Key takeaways:
Betnovate cream 30g contains betamethasone valerate, a potent corticosteroid that quickly calms inflamed skin [1].
It’s prescribed for eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, allergic reactions, and insect bites when milder creams, such as moisturisers or hydrocortisone creams, haven’t worked [2].
Always apply Betnovate cream 30g thinly to the affected area and follow your prescriber’s advice [1].
Don’t use Betnovate cream 30g on your face, broken skin, or for longer than recommended [1], [3]. Be aware that prolonged use or excessive application can lead to side effects, including thinning of the skin, stretch marks, or changes in skin colour. If you experience any of these, stop using the cream and consult your healthcare provider.
If your skin doesn’t improve after a week, or you have questions, speak to your pharmacist or GP [1].
Overview for Betnovate cream 30g
Betnovate cream 30g is a go-to option for individuals whose skin does not respond to milder steroid creams. It contains the potent steroid, betamethasone and is used for moderate eczema flare-ups [2]. Betnovate is especially helpful for those sudden flare-ups that make you want to hide under long sleeves. The active ingredient works quickly to reduce inflammation and restore comfort [1].
Most people use Betnovate cream 30g in short bursts to control symptoms, then switch to a gentler cream or moisturiser for maintenance [2].
The 30g tube is practical for treating small patches, and the non-greasy formula means you can get on with your day without sticky residue [2].
If you’re new to steroid creams, Betnovate can sound a bit intimidating. But used correctly, it’s both safe and effective. Always follow your doctor or pharmacist’s advice, and if you have any questions, please contact us.
What is the active ingredient in Betnovate cream 30g?
Betnovate cream 30g contains betamethasone valerate 0.1%, a potent corticosteroid that targets inflammation and calms overactive immune responses in the skin
[5].
What is Betnovate cream 30g used for?
Betnovate cream 30g is prescribed for short-term treatment of inflammatory skin problems that haven’t responded to milder creams.
It’s most often used for eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis, as well as allergic reactions and irritation from insect bites
[1],
[2],
[3].
It’s not a long-term solution, but Betnovate cream 30g is designed to bring flare-ups under control before gradually stepping down to a gentler option
[2].
What is eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes dry and itchy skin. You might notice redness, flaky patches, small blisters, or thickened skin, especially in the folds of your arms or legs.
Doctors usually diagnose eczema by examining your skin and inquiring about your symptoms. The first things they recommend are moisturisers (emollients) to keep your skin soft, and special creams called topical steroids to help calm the itch and reduce redness.
If these don’t work well enough, there are other treatments your doctor might try, like different creams, light therapy, or medicines that help control your immune system.
Eczema can happen at any age, but it often starts in young children, especially if there’s a family history of conditions like asthma or hay fever. Sometimes, kids with eczema also have food allergies.
Eczema can be either “acute” (when symptoms suddenly worsen) or “chronic” (when the skin remains thickened and itchy for an extended period). Although it can be uncomfortable, there are several ways to manage it and maintain healthy skin.
Moisturiser use in eczema
Moisturisers (emollients) are essential for anyone with eczema or dry skin. They help keep your skin hydrated and protect it from getting irritated.
For some people, using moisturisers alone is enough to control their symptoms. Most people, however, need to use them in conjunction with other treatments.
You should use plenty of moisturiser every day—even when your skin looks clear—and keep using it while you’re using other creams or medicines
[6]. Regular use can help you need less steroid cream over time
[7].
Some moisturisers contain special ingredients to help your skin retain water or prevent it from drying out.
They can also help alleviate itching and pain, and protect your skin from germs and other triggers that might cause allergies.
Pick a moisturiser that feels good to you and doesn’t have perfumes or things that could irritate your skin.
There isn’t strong evidence that one moisturiser is better than another, but thicker ones with more oils tend to keep skin more hydrated.
Petrolatum (like Vaseline) is especially effective at preventing water loss and may even help soothe inflamed skin
[8].
How does Betnovate cream work?
When you apply a steroid cream (such as a topical corticosteroid) to your skin, it helps reduce redness, swelling, and itching. But how does it actually do this? The answer lies in how the medicine communicates with your body’s cells.
Steroid creams work by getting inside skin cells and attaching to special “receivers” called glucocorticoid receptors. Think of these receptors as little locks inside your cells, and the steroid is the key. When the cream is applied, the steroid slips into the lock, which then travels into the cell’s control centre (the nucleus)
[9],
[10].
Once inside, this lock-and-key combination can turn specific genes on or off. It’s a bit like flicking switches that tell your skin to stop producing excessive chemicals that cause inflammation, such as redness, swelling, and itching. By switching off these signals, the cream helps your skin heal and feel better
[9],
[10].
There’s also another way steroid creams work: they can interact with other important proteins inside the cell that help control how the cell responds to inflammation. So, in simple terms, steroid creams calm your skin by sending powerful “stop” messages to the parts of your skin that are overreacting and causing trouble
[11].
That’s why these creams are so good at quickly reducing symptoms like redness and itching—because they’re working right at the source, deep inside your skin cells.
How to use Betnovate cream 30g?
Start by washing your hands, then apply a thin layer of Betnovate cream 30g to the affected area once or twice daily.
Gently rub it in until it’s fully absorbed, and always rewash your hands afterwards (unless you’re treating your hands themselves)
[1].
If you’re using dressings over the cream, clean the skin first and apply a fresh dressing each time. Don’t use Betnovate on your face, broken or infected skin, or for more than 14 days unless your doctor says otherwise
[1].
If you’re using other topical treatments alongside Betnovate, wait at least 30 minutes between applications to avoid diluting the medicine. If your symptoms haven’t improved after a week, check in with your healthcare provider for further advice
[2].
How much Betnovate should you use?
If you’re an adult using a steroid cream once a day for two weeks to treat an eczema flare, here’s roughly how much you’ll need for each area:
Face and neck: 15–30 grams
Both hands: 15–30 grams
Scalp: 15–30 grams
Both arms: 30–60 grams
Both legs: 100 grams
Chest and back (trunk): 100 grams
Groin and private parts: 15–30 grams
Kids usually need about half as much as adults. If once a day isn’t enough to get your eczema under control, your doctor might suggest using the cream twice a day instead
[2].
How much Betnovate cream should I apply?
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist’s instructions on how to use your steroid cream, including where, how often, and for how long. Using too much or too little can cause problems, so stick to the advice you’re given.
Typically, you’ll need to apply enough cream to cover the affected area. Gently smooth it on in the same direction that your hair grows (for example, from your elbow down to your wrist on your arm). This helps avoid irritation around the hair roots.
Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe different strengths of steroid cream for various parts of your body. Delicate areas, such as the face, eyelids, groin, underarms, or breasts, can be more sensitive and may require a milder cream.
If you’re unsure about how to use your steroid cream, please
contact us—we’re here to help.
Most people will use a moisturiser (emollient) in addition to their steroid cream. You can use both around the same time each day, but wait 20 to 30 minutes between them so the steroid cream isn’t diluted and can work properly.
How much Betnovate should I use?
A good rule is the “fingertip unit” (FTU): Squeeze out enough cream to cover the tip of your finger, from the tip to the first crease
[3]. This amount covers an area about the size of two flat hands. This helps you use the right amount, neither too much nor too little.
Who should not use Betnovate cream
Betnovate cream 30g is a potent medication and should be used with caution. Please don’t use it on broken skin, infected areas, or the face unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor
[1],
[2].
Overuse or long-term use can thin the skin and increase the risk of side effects
[4].
You shouldn’t use Betnovate cream if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients.
Don’t use this cream on:
Skin infections that haven’t been treated
Rosacea (a skin condition causing redness and bumps, usually on the face)
Acne
Itchy skin without any redness or swelling
Itching around the bottom or private parts
Rashes around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
Additionally, Betnovate cream or betamethasone cream should not be used on babies under one year old, including for diaper rash or other skin conditions
[4].
Betnovate cream should be used carefully, especially if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to other steroid creams. Sometimes, allergic reactions can look a lot like the skin problem you’re treating, so it’s important to keep an eye out for anything unusual
[4].
If you use too much steroid cream, or use it for a long time, some of the medicine can get into your body and cause side effects like Cushing’s syndrome (which can make your face round and cause weight gain) or problems with your body’s natural steroid balance. If this happens, don’t stop using the cream suddenly—ask your doctor how to gradually reduce the frequency of use or switch to a milder cream
[4].
Certain things make side effects more likely, such as:
Using a powerful steroid cream
Using it for a long time
Putting it on large areas of skin
Covering the area with dressings or tight clothing (nappies count as dressings for babies)
Using it on thin skin, like your face, or on broken skin
Children absorb more cream than adults, so they’re at higher risk of side effects
For babies and children under 12, only use the cream for up to five days and never cover it with dressings. Try to avoid long-term use in children, as it can affect their hormone balance
[4].
If you cover the treated skin with a dressing, ensure that you clean the area before applying a new one, as warm, moist conditions can lead to infection
[4].
People with psoriasis should be particularly cautious when using steroid creams, as stopping them suddenly can trigger flare-ups or other skin issues. Always use these creams under close supervision from your doctor
[4].
Don’t use steroid creams on your face for more than five days, as the skin here is delicate and more likely to become thin or damaged. If you use it on your eyelids, be careful not to get any in your eyes, as this could cause eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma
[4].
If you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurred vision, please inform your doctor immediately.
If your skin becomes infected while using a steroid cream, you’ll need to use an antibiotic or antifungal medication as well
[4]. If the infection spreads, discontinue use of the steroid cream and consult your doctor.
Steroid creams are sometimes used to treat skin problems around leg ulcers; however, this can increase the risk of allergic reactions and infection
[4].
Be cautious with fire—this cream contains paraffin, which can increase the flammability of clothes, bedding, or dressings. Avoid smoking or coming near open flames, and wash anything that has come into contact with the cream, although washing may not completely remove it
[4].
Betnovate cream contains chlorocresol and cetostearyl alcohol, which can sometimes cause skin reactions or allergies
[4].
If you use steroid creams for an extended period and then stop suddenly, your skin may flare up with redness, burning, and stinging, especially on the face or in skin folds. If this happens, talk to a specialist for advice
[4].
Pregnancy
There is limited information available about using betamethasone valerate cream during pregnancy. Studies in animals have shown that using steroid creams when pregnant can sometimes affect the baby’s development, but it’s not clear if this happens in humans
[4].
Because of this, doctors only recommend using this cream in pregnancy if it’s needed and the benefits to the mum are greater than any possible risks to the baby. If you do need to use it while pregnant, use the smallest amount for the shortest possible time.
Breastfeeding
We don’t know for sure if it’s safe to use betamethasone valerate cream while breastfeeding. It’s not clear if enough of the medicine could get into your system and then into your breast milk to affect your baby. Doctors usually only suggest using this cream while breastfeeding if it’s necessary. If you do use it, don’t put the cream on your breasts, so your baby doesn’t accidentally swallow any
[4]. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Side effects of Betnovate cream 30g
Like all medicines, Betnovate cream can sometimes cause side effects; however, not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are rare or very rare.
Problems with your body’s hormone balance, which can lead to weight gain, a round face, slow growth in children, weak bones, high blood pressure, or high sugar levels
Eye problems, like blurred vision or glaucoma
If you use the cream for a long time and then stop suddenly, your skin may flare up with redness, burning, stinging, or peeling
[4].
If you notice any side effects—especially anything unusual, severe, or that worries you—stop using the cream and tell your doctor or pharmacist.
You can also report side effects online using the Yellow Card Scheme at
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for MHRA Yellow Card in your app store. This helps keep medicines safe for everyone.
Drug interactions with Betnovate cream 30g
Betnovate cream 30g is generally safe to use with most other medicines, but there are a few important exceptions.
Some medicines, such as ritonavir or itraconazole, can slow down how your body metabolises steroid creams. This means that more of the steroid can enter your system, which may increase the risk of side effects
[4].
How much this matters depends on the amount of steroid cream you’re using, how you’re using it, and the strength of the other medicine. If you’re taking any new medication, always check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure it’s safe to use together.
If you’re using other topical steroids or treatments on the same area, space them out by at least 30 minutes to prevent dilution or interactions. Always mention any new medicines, supplements, or herbal remedies to your healthcare provider before starting Betnovate cream.
If you have any doubts about drug interactions, please
contact us, and we will get back to you within 48 hours.
Betnovate cream 30g FAQs
What is Betnovate cream 30g used for?
Betnovate cream 30g is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis, especially when milder creams haven’t been effective.
Can I use Betnovate cream on my face?
Generally, Betnovate cream should not be used on the face unless specifically advised to do so by your doctor, as the skin there is more sensitive and prone to thinning.
How long should I use Betnovate cream?
Betnovate cream 30g is usually used for short periods (up to 14 days). If your symptoms don’t improve within a week, check with your healthcare provider.
Is Betnovate cream safe for children?
Betnovate cream is not recommended for children under one year old, and should only be used in older children under medical supervision.
Can Betnovate cream be used for acne?
No, Betnovate cream is not suitable for treating acne or acne scars, and it may even exacerbate the condition.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you forget to apply Betnovate cream, use it as soon as you remember. Don’t double up to make up for a missed dose.
Can I use Betnovate cream with other skin treatments?
Yes, but wait at least 30 minutes between applications to avoid diluting either treatment. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Is there a generic version of Betnovate cream?
Yes, generic betamethasone valerate cream is available and works in the same way as branded Betnovate.
What should I do if I get side effects?
If you experience any side effects, especially severe or unusual ones, discontinue use of Betnovate cream and consult your healthcare provider for advice.
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