✅ Active Ingredient Overview Table:

🔬 Active Ingredients:	Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% w/w, Salicylic Acid 3% w/w
💊 Indication:	Hyperkeratotic, Inflammatory Dermatoses (Psoriasis, Lichenified Eczema) with Pruritus
🇺🇸 US Brand Equivalent:	Diprolene (Betamethasone Dipropionate) – Salicylic Acid combinations vary
🏭 Manufacturer:	GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Founded: 2000)
📦 Packaging:	20 g Tube
🧪 Strengths:	Betamethasone Valerate 0.1%, Salicylic Acid 3%
🚚 Delivery Time:	6–15 days

🌿 What Is Betnovate S Ointment?

Betnovate S Ointment combines a potent topical corticosteroid (Betamethasone Valerate 0.1%) with Salicylic Acid 3%, a keratolytic agent. This formulation is designed for hyperkeratotic and inflammatory skin conditions—such as plaque psoriasis, lichenified eczema, and chronic dermatitis—where scaling, thickening, and pruritus are prominent. Betamethasone reduces inflammation, pruritus, and erythema by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, while Salicylic Acid promotes exfoliation of the stratum corneum, enhancing corticosteroid penetration and reducing scaling.

🧬 Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action

Component	Mechanism
Betamethasone Valerate 0.1%	• Binds glucocorticoid receptors → downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α) • Inhibits leukocyte migration and histamine release → decreases pruritus and erythema
Salicylic Acid 3%	• Keratolytic: softens intercellular cement in stratum corneum → promotes desquamation and scaling reduction • Facilitates enhanced penetration of Betamethasone into epidermis
Ointment Base	• Semi-occlusive emollient vehicle → maintains moist environment, enhances skin hydration and drug absorption

💡 Indications & Application Guidelines

Condition	Application Regimen
Plaque Psoriasis (Hyperkeratotic Lesions)	• Clean and gently pat dry affected area. • Apply a thin layer of Betnovate S Ointment once or twice daily to psoriatic plaques, focusing on scaling and thickened areas. • Duration: 7–14 days; reassess to avoid tachyphylaxis.
Lichenified Eczema / Chronic Dermatitis	• Cleanse area; apply Betnovate S Ointment 1–2 times daily to lichenified, pruritic patches. • Continue for 7–10 days; monitor for resolution.
Hyperkeratotic Dermatoses with Itch (e.g., Keratosis Pilaris)	• Apply thin layer once daily at bedtime to keratotic, pruritic regions. • Use 7–14 days or until symptoms improve, then switch to maintenance emollients.

Preparation: Wash hands and affected site, remove scales gently. – Application: Dispense a pea-sized amount onto fingertip; spread evenly over entire lesion, ensuring full coverage. – Frequency: Begin with once-daily use at night; increase to twice daily if tolerated and necessary. – Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes. Do not apply to weeping or ulcerated lesions. If significant irritation or thinning occurs, reduce frequency or discontinue.

⚠️ Warnings & Side Effects

Common:

Burning or stinging at application site
Mild peeling or dryness
Transient folliculitis

Less Common:

Contact dermatitis (allergic) to salicylic acid
Hypopigmentation in treated areas

Serious (Rare):

Skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia with prolonged high-potency steroid use
Systemic absorption leading to HPA axis suppression (especially under occlusion or extensive application)

Precautions:

Limit therapy to 7–14 days on body and 5–7 days on intertriginous areas.
Avoid occlusive dressings unless prescribed.
Use cautiously in pediatric and elderly patients; monitor for systemic effects.
Discontinue if signs of hypersensitivity or severe irritation develop.
Do not use on facial skin, groin, or axilla without specialist direction.

🏥 Storage Instructions

Store Betnovate S Ointment at 20–25°C in its original tube. Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Close cap tightly after each use. Keep out of reach of children.

🌐 Availability & Purchasing

United States: No exact branded combination; Betamethasone valerate ointment and salicylic acid preparations are prescription-only separately. – United Kingdom & EU: Betnovate S may be available by dermatology prescription; combination topical corticosteroid/keratolytic products are prescription-only. – Australia: Betnovate S prescription required under PBS or private script.

Patients may import Betnovate S from India under personal importation schemes, provided a valid prescription is submitted. Verify local regulations to avoid customs delays.

🔗Authoritative Resources

🔗 Internal Links to Related Topical Therapies (Indian Brands)

Betnovate Ointment – Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% for inflammatory dermatoses.
Momate S – Mometasone Furoate 0.1% / Salicylic Acid 3% for psoriasis.

🎥 Educational Video on Keratolytic Corticosteroid Therapy

👩‍⚕️ Expert Insight: Dr. Sangeeta Patel, Dermatologist

“Betnovate S offers a synergistic approach: salicylic acid reduces scaling and enhances steroid penetration, while betamethasone controls inflammation and pruritus. It’s particularly effective for thick, scaly plaques that resist monotherapy.”