How does Beta Scalp Application (Betamethasone Valerate) work:

Beta Scalp Application (Betamethasone Valerate) is an active topical corticosteroid which produces a rapid response in those inflammatory dermatoses that are normally responsive to topical corticosteroid therapy. It is often effective in the less responsive conditions such as psoriasis.

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolised primarily by the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys.

Dosage & Administration:

A small quantity of Beta Scalp Application should be applied to the scalp day and night until improvement is noticeable. It may then be possible to sustain improvement by applying once a day.

Side Effects:

• hypersensitivity
• Cushing's syndrome
• skin burning and pruritus
• thinning, striae and dilatation of the superficial blood vessels
• pigmentation changes
• hypertrichosis
• allergic contact dermatitis
• exacerbation of symptoms
• pustular psoriasis

Precautions:

Long-term continuous topical therapy should be avoided where possible, particularly in infants and children, as adrenal suppression, with or without Cushing's syndrome, can occur even without occlusion. In this situation, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued gradually under medical supervision because of the risk of adrenal insufficiency. Topical corticosteroids may be hazardous in psoriasis for a number of reasons, including rebound relapses, development of tolerance, risk of generalised pustular psoriasis and development of local or systemic toxicity due to impaired barrier function of the skin. If used in psoriasis careful patient supervision is important.

Development of secondary infection requires withdrawal of topical corticosteroid therapy and commencement of appropriate systemic antimicrobial therapy. The least potent corticosteroid which will control the disease should be selected.

Further Information:

Beta Scalp Application also contains isopropyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, carbomer 934P and purified water.