Betacap Scalp Application

Betacap scalp solution is a steroid treatment for the scalp to treat skin diseases, including plaque psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Plaque psoriasis’s typical symptoms include fine scaling that looks link dandruff or appears as thick, crusted plaques that cover the entire scalp. Other skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis may resemble psoriasis. Seborrheic dermatitis includes scaly, itchy patches of the skin.

Betacap contains an active ingredient, betamethasone valerate 0.1%. This is a group of medicines called corticosteroids which help in reducing redness, swelling and inflammation. Corticosteroids come in a range of potencies and selection depends on severity, type and previous treatments used. Betamethasone is a potent and fast-acting corticosteroid intended for use on the scalp. Betacap contains additional active ingredients that work as antiseptics and an emollient that moisturises your scalp skin. Betacap scalp application is a clear, colourless, slightly thickened liquid and comes in 100ml bottles. The bottles incorporate a specially designed nozzle applicator for convenient application to the scalp.

Betacap Scalp Application is licensed to treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, which is unresponsive to less potent corticosteroids. Betacap can be used for adults and children over the age of one year however, The Family Chemist provides treatments for adults over the age of 18 only.  Betacap Scalp Application should be applied sparingly at night and morning until improvement is noticeable. It may then be possible to sustain improvement by applying once daily or less frequently. Betacap Scalp Application should not be used for longer than eight weeks at any one site. Treatment may be restarted after a four week ‘treatment break’.

Before using this bottle of Betacap Scalp Application for the first time, turn the bottle cap anti-clockwise to break the seal.

Repeat the following twice a day, morning, and evening, until you notice an improvement in your scalp condition. On days when you shampoo your hair, apply Betacap Scalp Application after drying the hair:

• Carefully turn the bottle upside-down over your head, holding the nozzle against the part of the scalp to be treated.
• Gently squeeze the bottle until the affected area is coated with a thin layer of the preparation.
• Gently massage the application into the scalp to prevent it from running off.
• Allow the treated scalp to dry naturally. Do not use a hair drier.
• Your scalp will feel cool until the liquid has dried. The active ingredient is then left on your scalp.
• Always wash your hands after use.

When you can see that your scalp condition is improving, you can apply Betacap Scalp Application less often, only once a day or even less. The frequency of application should be reduced to the minimum necessary to keep your scalp condition under control.

If you occasionally forget to use Betacap Scalp Application, do not worry, carry on using it when you remember.

Betacap should improve your symptoms within two weeks, but if you see no improvement, then consult The Family Chemist clinician or doctor.

Betacap is tolerated well by many patients. However, like all medicines, Betacap Scalp Application can cause side effects. Betacap Scalp Application may cause the following side effects:

• Skin irritation may occur. If this happens stop using the product.
• Treating psoriasis with this type of product may cause the development of the pustular form of the disease (blisters filled with pus). If this happens stop using the product.
• Topical corticosteroids are usually well tolerated when used in the right amount and for the correct length of time. However, prolonged, excessive use, particularly in children or on skin that is bandaged or wrapped up, can cause local skin thinning (making the skin damage easily), and adrenal suppression (a type of hormone imbalance that causes generalised effects on the body). Stopping treatment normally corrects these side effects.
• Steroid withdrawal reaction: If used continuously for prolonged periods a withdrawal reaction may occur upon stopping treatment with some or all of the following features: redness of the skin which can extend beyond the initial area treated, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling of the skin, oozing open sores.
• Blurred vision.

If you are in any doubt about the treatment or experience any of the above side effects or any other side effect not mentioned, stop using this product and tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Betacap Scalp Application:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to betamethasone or any of the other ingredients of Betacap Scalp Application.
• to treat any other skin problems, especially skin infections, as it may make them worse;
• to treat any scalp problem other than the one your doctor prescribed it for;

Warnings and precautions

• Tell your doctor if at any stage you think your scalp has become infected. Your doctor may advise you to stop using Betacap for a while and start using an alternative anti-microbial treatment instead.
• Do not use this product excessively:
  • avoid using this product continuously or frequently for long periods (weeks or months on end);
  • this is especially important for infants and young children, because long term use increases the chance of local and generalised side effects
• Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

Take special care when using this product:

• Keep the product away from your eyes and mouth.
• Betacap is highly flammable. Do not use it near flames or ignition sources (e.g. burning cigarettes or anything else that might ignite it).
• If there is a worsening of your condition during use consult your prescriber – you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, have an infection or your condition may require a different treatment. If you experience a recurrence of your condition shortly after stopping treatment, within 2 weeks, do not restart using Betacap Scalp Application without consulting your prescriber unless your prescriber has previously advised you to do so. If your condition has resolved and on recurrence, the redness extends beyond the initial treatment area and you experience a burning sensation, please seek medical advice before restarting treatment.