Beclometasone skin creams

About beclometasone skin creams

Beclometasone cream and ointment are used to treat itching, swollen and irritated skin. They can help with conditions such as:

Beclometasone skin creams are available on prescription only. They are stronger than other skin creams such as hydrocortisone.

Beclometasone (sometimes written as "beclomethasone") is a type of medicine known as a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). This is not the same as an anabolic steroid.

It also comes as:

Key facts

  • It's important to follow the instructions when using a steroid skin cream or ointment. This helps to avoid side effects.
  • Only use a steroid skin treatment if your doctor prescribes it for you. Do not use someone else's medicine.
  • Creams are better for skin that is moist or weepy. Ointments are thicker and greasier and better for dry or flaky skin.
  • Beclometasone skin creams will not help with conditions such as acne or rosacea.
  • Only use beclometasone on your face if your doctor says it's OK to.

Who can and cannot use beclometasone skin creams

Most adults can use beclometasone.

Children aged 1 year and older can use beclometasone cream. However, doctors may occasionally prescribe it for younger children.

Beclometasone may not be suitable for some people. Tell a pharmacist or doctor before using it if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to beclometasone or any other medicine in the past
  • have broken skin, cuts, or itchy skin that is not inflamed or red
  • have a skin infection – using beclometasone can make a skin infection worse or cause it to spread
  • have an eye infection
  • have acne or rosacea

How and when to use beclometasone skin creams

Beclometasone is available as a cream and ointment.


You will usually use the cream or ointment once or twice a day. Use it on all the areas of your skin affected by the skin problem.

If you use it twice a day, try to leave a gap of 8 to 12 hours between doses.

How much to put on

The amount of cream or ointment you need to use is sometimes measured in fingertip units. This is the amount of cream or ointment you can squeeze onto the end of your finger.

As a general rule, a fingertip unit of cream is enough to treat an area that's twice the size of the palm of your hand.

For babies and children, the right amount of cream depends on their age. A doctor or pharmacist can advise you.

When the skin starts to get better, you may be able to reduce the amount of cream or ointment you use.

How to put it on

  1. Wash your hands and then squeeze out the right amount.
  5. Be careful not to get the cream or ointment into broken skin or cuts.

Do not use beclometasone skin creams at the same time as any other creams or ointments, such as a moisturiser. Wait at least 30 minutes before using any other skin product after you put on beclometasone cream or ointment.

If you need to use a dressing, like a bandage or plaster, wait at least 10 minutes after putting on beclometasone.

If you're treating a child, do not cover the cream or ointment with dressings or bandages. Using a dressing or bandage can increase the chance of side effects.

How long will I use it for?

Most people only need to use beclometasone cream or ointment for a short time. Stop using it as soon as your skin is better. Sometimes you only need to use the cream or ointment for a few days.

Children can use beclometasone skin creams for up to 5 days.

If your doctor says you can use beclometasone on your face, then it’s usually OK to use it for up to 5 days. Only use the cream or ointment for longer than 5 days if your doctor tells you to.

Tell your doctor if your skin gets worse or does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks (or 5 days for a child or when using it on your face).

What if I use too much?

Using too much beclometasone by accident is unlikely to harm you.

If you're worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

What if I forget to put it on?

If you forget to use your cream or ointment, do not worry. Use it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

In this case, skip the missed dose and apply the next one at the usual time.

Side effects

Beclometasone skin creams are unlikely to cause any side effects if you follow the instructions.

Some people get a burning or stinging feeling for a few minutes when they put beclometasone on their skin. This stops happening after you've been using it for a few days.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare. You're more likely to have a serious side effect if you use beclometasone on a large area of skin for a long time.

Using beclometasone for a long time can make your skin thinner or cause stretch marks. Stretch marks are likely to be permanent, but they usually fade over time.

Stop using beclometasone and tell a doctor immediately if:

  • the treated skin becomes redder or swollen, or yellow fluid is weeping from your skin – these are signs of a new skin infection or an existing one getting worse
  • you get lighter or darker patches on your skin – these are a sign of changes to the pigment in your skin
  • you have a very upset stomach or you're being sick (vomiting), feel very tired, have very bad dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, mood changes, loss of appetite and weight loss – these can be signs of adrenal gland problems
  • you are using beclometasone for psoriasis and you get raised bumps filled with pus under your skin
  • you feel confused, sleepy, more thirsty or hungry than usual, pee more often, have hot flushes, start breathing quickly or your breath smells of fruit – these can be signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia). There's a small risk of this when using beclometasone for a long time
  • you have any new problems with your eyesight after starting to use beclometasone

Children and teenagers

In very rare cases, using beclometasone for a long time can slow down the normal growth of children and teenagers.

Your child's doctor will monitor their height and weight carefully for as long as they're using this medicine. This will help them spot any slowing down of your child's growth and change their treatment if needed.


Serious allergic reaction


Call your local emergency service if:

  • you're wheezing
  • you get tightness in the chest or throat
  • you have trouble breathing or talking


These are not all the side effects of beclometasone. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Beclometasone cream and ointment are not normally recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Only use beclometasone if your dermatologist (skin specialist) prescribes it and is supervising your treatment. They will be able to explain the benefits and risks of using beclometasone.

Read more about how using corticosteroid cream or ointment, like beclometasone, might affect you and your baby during pregnancy from the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPs) website.

Beclometasone and breastfeeding

Only use beclometasone when breastfeeding if your doctor has said it's OK.

If you're using beclometasone on your breasts, wash off any cream or ointment from your breasts, then wash your hands before feeding your baby.


Talk to your doctor if you're:

  • trying to get pregnant
  • pregnant
  • breastfeeding

Cautions with other medicines

Other medicines are very unlikely to affect the way beclometasone creams work.

However, tell a pharmacist or doctor if you're taking:

  • medicines used to treat HIV, such as ritonavir or cobicistat
  • medicines used to treat fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
  • other medicines that contain steroids, such as eczema creams, asthma inhalers, tablets, injections, nasal sprays, and eye or nose drops

Mixing beclometasone with herbal remedies and supplements

There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements while using beclometasone. Ask a pharmacist for advice.


Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

Common questions