Betacap 0.1% Solution

Betacap Scalp Application is an NHS-approved lotion for psoriasis and eczema (most commonly seborrhoeic dermatitis). It reduces inflammation, the cause of uncomfortable symptoms like pain, itchy skin and redness.

As its name suggests, Betacap is prescribed for cases of skin conditions where the affected area is your scalp (otherwise known as ‘dermatoses of the scalp’). Another branded alternative is Betnovate - both medications contain the same active ingredient and have the same effects.

If you are suffering from psoriasis or eczema, but it does not affect your head, HealthExpress offers a number of treatments for different areas of the body. For example, Eumovate and Elocon are moderate and potent steroid creams, respectively. Both of these have similar effects to Betacap.

Betacap contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are produced in the adrenal glands. They differ greatly from anabolic steroids, which is what bodybuilders and athletes use.

The major function of betamethasone is to suppress your immune system. While this might sound bad, it is actually the best way to treat psoriasis and eczema and is safe (if the medication is applied correctly).

Your immune system can overreact to certain triggers, such as pollen, stress or pet hair, which exacerbates your eczema or psoriasis. Your skin then becomes more inflamed and painful. By calming the immune response, Betacalp eases symptoms.

You can buy Betacap solution online. At HealthExpress, we offer a comprehensive service, including consultation, prescription and delivery at a single price.

We require you to complete a quick online form before ordering. Our doctors will use your answers to questions like “What are your symptoms?” to determine whether the selected product is safe and effective for you. Once approved, they will issue a prescription to our pharmacy. You can then expect your order delivered by the next working day.

If the doctors do not think the treatment is right for you, you will not be charged.

Remember - always follow the instructions of your doctor or healthcare professionals when using any medication.

The following information is a summary. More detailed instructions are included in the patient information leaflet (this will be attached to your order).

You should:

• wash your hands before and after using this product
• hold the tube over your head, and squirt a small amount of treatment onto the affected area
• rub in with your hands until it fully covered the affected area
• you should allow your hair to dry naturally. Do not use a towel or hairdryer
• you should apply two doses per day - as symptoms ease, apply one dose
• if you use any emollients or hair products, these should only be applied after Betacap has been absorbed by the skin
• on days when you shampoo your hair, apply Betacap Scalp Application after drying the hair

Betacap should only be used on the scalp, as it is a potent corticosteroid that is unnecessary for other areas of the body.

If you apply too much of the treatment or someone else uses it by accident, get medical attention.

If you forget to apply Betacap, you should continue with the next dose as normal. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed dose.

This product is for external use only. Do not swallow it. If you do by accident, seek immediate medical attention.

Topical corticosteroids like Betacap are well-tolerated by most users. However, a small number may experience adverse reactions. The chance of this occurring increases with the length of time treatment is applied. For that reason, you should not exceed the recommended course - 2-4 weeks (depending on the severity of symptoms).

Possible reactions include:

• Skin irritation may occur - if this happens, stop using the product
• Treating psoriasis with this product may cause the pustular form of the disease (blisters filled with pus)
• Prolonged and excessive use of topical steroids 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.
• blurred vision

Some of these can often be confused with the underlying conditions. For that reason, you should stop treatment if there is no improvement within 7 days of use.

You should report any side effects to your doctor and stop applying the scalp lotion. If you experience chronic fatigue, weight loss or nausea, this is a sign of adrenal suppression and is serious.

A complete list of side effects is included in the patient leaflet (this is included with your order). You can also report any unlisted reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via the Yellow Card Scheme - further information is on the MHRA website (www.mhra.gov.uk).

Certain conditions and medications make this product dangerous to use.

Do not use Betacap Scalp Application if:

• you are using any other corticosteroids
• you have had allergic reactions to any corticosteroids
• you are allergic to any of the ingredients of this lotion (all ingredients are listed in the patient leaflet)
• you are going to apply it to any area of the body other than the scalp

Other conditions can present in similar ways to psoriasis and eczema. However, you should only use Betacap for conditions that the doctor has advised. Do not use it for:

• acne
• perioral dermatitis
• widespread plaque psoriasis
• rosacea
• bacterial, fungal or viral infections

You should always inform your GP of any other medications you are taking.

You should not exceed the recommended course of 2-4 weeks, or else you risk side effects. Long-term use of this medication will not make it more effective.

If you suspect that you have an infection alongside an underlying skin condition, you should ask a healthcare professional about other treatments. HealthExpress offers Fucidin H to treat bacterial infections alongside eczema and psoriasis and Daktacort for fungal infections with the same conditions.*

*Neither of these treatments are designed for scalp conditions. Ask your doctor for alternatives.

Avoid going near fires or naked flames when using this lotion as it is flammable.

If your scalp has broken skin, you should consult your doctor before use.

HealthExpress offers Betacap, along with many other prescription psoriasis and eczema treatments, to order online.

It is a legal and medical requirement that you first complete a consultation form. This is so that our doctors can confirm the chosen medication is safe for you to use. You may also be asked to provide photos of affected areas of your scalp. The consultation takes no time and can be completed in as little as 2 minutes.

If our doctors are happy with your answers, they will issue a prescription to our pharmacy. The pharmacists will dispense your medication with next-day delivery, nominated-day delivery or UPS Access Point delivery (depending on your selection). If the doctors do not want to prescribe, you will not be charged.