Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
BRAND NAME: Diprolene; Diprolene AF; (Diprosone and Alphatrex
have been discontinued)
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Betamethasone is a synthetic (man-made)
corticosteroid that is used topically (on the skin). Betamethasone mimics the
action of cortisol (hydrocortisone), the naturally-occurring steroid produced in
the body by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory
actions and also suppress the immune response. Corticosteroids have many effects
on the body, but they most often are used for their potent anti-inflammatory
effects, particularly in those conditions in which the immune system plays an
important role. The FDA approved betamethasone in July 1983.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Cream, ointment, lotion: 0.05%
STORAGE: All preparations should be kept between 15 and 30 C (59-86 F).
Lotion should be shaken before each use.
A thin strip of betamethasone cream or ointment is applied gently to
the affected area once or twice daily.
A few drops of the lotion is applied to
the affected area once or twice daily.
The lotion should be massaged gently
until it disappears.
Large doses and prolonged use of betamethasone may cause
large amounts to be absorbed into the body and suppress production of cortisol
by the adrenal glands. Therefore, the lotion should not be used for longer than
two weeks, and not more than 50 ml should be used per week. The augmented cream
or ointment should be limited to 45 grams per week. Betamethasone should not be
used with occlusive dressings because occlusive dressings increase absorption
into the body.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Combining topical steroids with topical anthralin may
increase psoriasis symptoms. Therefore, topical steroids should be discontinued
1 week before starting anthralins.
PREGNANCY: Use of betamethasone in
pregnant women has not been studied. When
corticosteroids are given systemically (orally, intramuscularly or
intravenously) to pregnant animals fetal abnormalities occur.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if betamethasone is secreted in
breast milk.
Corticosteroids absorbed into the body may appear in breast milk and may cause
harmful effects in breast fed infants.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly-noted side effects of betamethasone are
burning at the area of application, itching, irritation, and dryness.
Topical application of corticosteroids may suppress the body's production of
cortisol. If suppression has occurred for a long enough period of time,
discontinuing the potent corticosteroid can be associated with symptoms of
cortisol deficiency. (It takes the adrenal glands some time before they can
begin producing cortisol again.) Absorption of potent corticosteroids can
increase the glucose concentration in the blood (especially worrisome in
people with diabetes) and cause symptoms of steroid excess (weight gain, redistribution of
fat stores, and psychiatric problems). The suppression of inflammation and the
immune response caused by steroid excess also allows infections to occur more
easily.
REFERENCE: AHFS Drug Information. Prescribing Information for Diprolene
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Other types of eczema include: contact eczema, allergic contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and. dyshidrotic eczema.
Infections, bites and stings, infestations, chronic diseases, sun exposure, and dry skin are among the numerous causes of itching.
Anti-itch creams and lotions containing camphor, menthol, phenol,
pramoxine (Caladryl, Tronolane), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or benzocaine can bring relief.
Some cases of itching will respond to corticosteroid medications.
It is best to avoid scratching and itch when possible to avoid worsening of the condition and disruption of the skin that could lead to bacterial infection.
If itching persists with time or worsens, or is associated with skin lesions, consulting a health-care practitioner is advisable.
What is an itch?
Itch is an irritation in the skin that elicits an urge to scratch. Itches are a common problem and can be localized (limited to one area of the bo...
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