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Is betamethasone an antifungal?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Jan 24, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Betamethasone is not an antifungal medication. It is a steroid. Betamethasone is prescribed to relieve the itching, redness, dryness and scaling associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.

It is available in many strengths and topical forms, including:

  • Ointment
  • Cream
  • Lotion
  • Gel
  • Spray
  • Foam

Steroids like betamethasone work by relieving the inflammation that causes these uncomfortable symptoms. Betamethasone is the generic name for the medication. It is also available under many brand names, including:

  • Beta-Val
  • Dermabet
  • Diprolene
  • Luxiq
  • Sernivo
  • Valnac

Betamethasone is typically applied to affected areas of skin once or twice a day, and improvements are usually noticeable within two weeks. Some forms of topical betamethasone are better suited for specific body areas than others. For example, betamethasone foam is often recommended for scalp psoriasis, while ointments are often suggested for dry, non-hairy skin areas.

Betamethasone is recommended when other over-the-counter or prescription topicals, including hydrocortisone skin cream, do not treat symptoms effectively. Some types of betamethasone are up to 600 times as potent as hydrocortisone (also a steroid).

Side effects of topical betamethasone may include:

  • Burning
  • Irritation
  • Acne
  • Unwanted hair growth
  • Bruising
  • Changes in skin color
  • Small red bumps or rashes around the mouth
  • Tiny white or red bumps on the skin

More serious side effects may include:

  • Rash
  • Skin infection where betamethasone was applied

Carefully follow instructions on the label to minimize any side effects.

Sometimes betamethasone is combined with an antifungal medication known as clotrimazole. Antifungals work by killing fungus or preventing it from growing. Athlete's foot and yeast infections are examples of fungal infections in the body.

Lotrisone is a combination of clotrimazole and betamethasone. The combination treats a fungal infection in two ways. Clotrimazole attacks the fungus, while the betamethasone reduces inflammation, redness, swelling, itching and other symptoms of the fungal infection.

Pills and/or shots of betamethasone may also be used to treat severe allergic attacks, systemic inflammation and autoimmune conditions, including flares of rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.

Related questions

References
  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Betamethasone topical. (February 15, 2018). Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682799.html. [Accessed January 12, 2021].
  2. New Zealand Dermatological Society. Topical steroid. (January 4, 2016). Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-steroid/. [Accessed January 12, 2021].
  3. National Health Service. Betamethasone for skin. (August 21, 2020). Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/betamethasone-skin/. [Accessed January 12, 2021].

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What is Diprospan used for?

Diprospan is a combination steroid injection containing two salts of betamethasone (betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone sodium phosphate) that may be used to treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions that are typically responsive to corticosteroids. Continue reading

How long does it take for betamethasone to work?

How long betamethasone takes to work depends on whether the product is applied topically or given by injection plus other factors (see full faq). For topical betamethasone some improvement is usually noted within three to four days of starting treatment. For injectable betamethasone some response is usually noted within two to three days. Continue reading

Can betamethasone be used for a yeast infection?

A skin cream containing betamethasone in combination with clotrimazole MAY, in certain circumstances, be used for some yeast infections: however, a skin cream or lotion that only contains betamethasone should NEVER be used for a yeast infection because it does not kill the yeast and can make the infection worse. Continue reading

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