Betaderm Cream Description

For the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and other skin irritations, see your doctor about a prescription for Betaderm Cream or generic Betamethasone Valerate. Betaderm Cream is a topical corticosteroid applied to areas of your skin that have become red, itchy, and inflamed due to direct contact with an irritant or as a result of an over-active immune system. Although there is no cure for eczema or psoriasis, Betaderm Cream is an upper mid-strength corticosteroid that can help relieve the symptoms. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Betaderm Cream Calms Down Your Immune Response

When applied to the affected area of skin as directed, Betaderm Cream is absorbed into your skin cells and inhibits the action of your immune system when it has responded to a supposed threat. As an immune response, inflammatory chemicals are produced which cause your blood vessels to dilate and other inflammatory substances are signaled to the area. The result is swelling, inflammation, and itching. By calming down your immune response, there is less inflammatory chemicals so the symptoms of itching and swelling recede.

Conditions Treated by Betaderm Cream

Eczema is now believed to be caused by a structural defect in the outer layer of your skin which makes it more vulnerable to toxins and antigens. This can cause your immune system to over-react when you come into contact with something believed to be a threat, including soaps, perfumes, or metals. The reaction of your immune response to this contact can cause swelling, redness, and itching.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that signals white blood cells, called T cells, because your immune system believes your skin is under attack. In the fight to protect you, your skin cell cycle becomes unbalanced and you have a faster than normal turnover of skin cells. Because your older cells are not ready to slough or fall off, a raised patch of skin forms that becomes swollen and itches.

Before Betaderm Cream is Prescribed

Ask your doctor about the safety of using Betaderm Cream if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other health concerns with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently use or take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, to determine if Betaderm Cream is the right medication for you.

Proper Use of Betaderm Cream

Do not cover or bandage the skin area you are applying Betaderm Cream to as this can increase your risk of side effects. If after applying Betaderm Cream for at least 2 weeks there is no improvement of the skin condition, revisit your doctor. Safety and effectiveness has not been confirmed for using Betaderm Cream on children so speak with your doctor before doing so.

Possible Side Effects of Betaderm Cream

• Irritation after applying
• Increased hair growth
• Dryness
• Itching

Drugs Similar to Betaderm Cream

• Betnovate Cream
• Dermatop Cream
• Cutivate Cream