Betacap 0.1% Solution

What is Betacap?

Betacap Scalp Application is a strong, fast-acting topical steroid solution which is used to treat inflammatory scalp disorders.

The solution is a clear colourless liquid that contains the active ingredient, betamethasone valerate 0.1%. Betamethasone valerate is a topical corticosteroid — a potent steroid which is used to treat inflammation.

How does Betacap work?

When the skin becomes irritated, the immune system releases various chemicals which cause the surrounding blood vessels to widen. This results in the affected area becoming red, itchy, swollen and painful. These symptoms are commonly seen in conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Betacap contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, which is a topical corticosteroid (steroid). Corticosteroids like betamethasone are used to reduce inflammation.

Corticosteroids come in a range of potencies with Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% being classed as a potent corticosteroid. Betamethasone is generally prescribed to treat inflammatory skin disorders, including; eczema and psoriasis. Usually, betamethasone will only be considered if weaker corticosteroids have proven ineffective.

When the Betacap scalp solution is applied to the affected area, it is absorbed into the skin, where it begins to work inside the cells — inhibiting the release of the chemicals that cause inflammation. This reduces swelling, itching and redness — the common symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

To find out how effective actual users find this treatment read our Betacap Scalp Application reviews here.

Betacap uses

Betacap Scalp Application is generally prescribed to treat inflammatory skin disorders that affect the scalp, including:

• Eczema on the scalp
• Scalp psoriasis
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Betacap is very effective at treating outbreaks of eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis affecting the scalp — helping to quickly and efficiently soothe redness, dryness and irritation.

Betacap contains betamethasone valerate, which is classified as a potent steroid. This means that, generally speaking, Betacap will only be prescribed once weaker corticosteroids or treatments have been tried and have proven ineffective.

You may have heard that Betacap can help to treat hair loss and improve hair growth. This medication is not intended to treat symptoms of hair loss — however, a possible side effect of Betacap scalp solution can be excessive hair growth, and some users have noticed the benefits of Betacap for hair growth.

This is not a scientifically proven or recommended hair loss treatment — you can visit our hair loss treatments page for appropriate medical treatments for male pattern baldness.

Does Betacap help hair grow?

Betacap scalp solution is generally prescribed to treat inflammatory skin disorders on the scalp, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. You can find out more in our Betacap uses section.

This medication is not designed to treat symptoms of hair loss or alopecia, or help with hair growth.

However, one of the possible side effects of Betacap can be excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis), and some users have found that Betacap was helpful in helping hair to grow back.

This is not scientifically proven, and there have been no clinical studies into the use of Betacap for hair loss.

Can Betacap be bought over the counter?

Betacap cannot be bought over the counter. Betacap 0.1% Solution is a prescription-only medicine, which means it cannot be sold over the counter.

This is because it contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, which is a topical corticosteroid (a steroid). This is a potent, fast-acting corticosteroid, so it should only be used by people who have been prescribed it.

If you want to use Betacap to treat inflammatory scalp disorders, you will need a medical consultation with your GP or a pharmacist. You can buy Betacap here at The Independent Pharmacy once you have completed an online consultation. Once you do, our team of prescribers will be able to approve your order for next-day delivery.

Betacap alternatives

Some people may not want to use Betacap — or be able to use it — for a number of reasons. This could be down to allergic reactions or personal preference.

If you are looking for a Betacap alternative to treat an inflammatory scalp condition such as scalp psoriasis, there are a few over-the-counter and prescription-only treatments available such as:

• Betnovate Scalp Lotion (which uses the same active ingredient, betamethasone, as Betacap)
• Elocon Scalp Lotion (which contains the active ingredient mometasone)
• Nizoral shampoo
• Alphosyl 2in1 Shampoo
• Neutrogena T-Gel
• Selsun Shampoo

You can find some of the above medicines and more on our dermatitis & eczema treatments page. You can also read more about the available treatments and advice for the medical conditions on this page.

If you’re unsure about a treatment, you can ask our medical team for impartial information and advice before you buy.

How to use Betacap

Betacap scalp solution is easy to use. For more in-depth instructions on how to apply Betacap, you can read the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with the medicine.

Here is a quick overview of how to use Betacap:

• Ensure your hair and scalp are dry before applying Betacap
• Wash and dry hands
• Betacap scalp solution should be applied sparingly to the affected areas of the scalp, using the nozzle of the bottle
• The solution should then be massaged into the scalp using clean, dry fingers
• Betacap should then be left to dry
• Take extra care to avoid the solution running onto your face and into your eyes (if this occurs, rinse thoroughly using cool water)
• Leave Betacap on the scalp and do not wash off (if you need to wash your hair, this should be done prior to application)
• Wash your hands afterwards

Apply Betacap twice daily. As soon as the condition starts to improve, you should reduce the frequency of application, or as directed by your doctor.

Do not store this medicine in temperatures in excess of 25 degrees celsius. Protect from direct sunlight and store in the original container. For external use only.

If you do not see a noticeable improvement in your symptoms after two weeks, consult your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest a repeat course of this treatment.

Betacap ingredients

Betacap Scalp Application contains the active ingredient; Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% w/w.

Betacap also contains several inactive ingredients that make up the complete product:

• Macrogol 7
• Glycerol cocoate (coconut oil)
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Carbomer
• Sodium hydroxide
• Purified water

Betacap side effects

As with all medicines, there is a chance that you may experience Betacap side effects should you choose to start using this product.

This doesn’t mean that everyone who uses Betacap to treat scalp psoriasis will experience adverse side effects. Most people who use Betacap scalp solution will have an overwhelmingly positive experience with this treatment, and won’t encounter any side effects at all.

You can read more about what real users think about Betacap on our Betacap reviews page, where we’ve collated real customer reviews using Trustpilot and Reviews.io.

The most common Betacap side effects are:

• Skin irritation (in rare cases)
• Pustular psoriasis (pus-filled blisters)
• Skin thinning
• Adrenal suppression (this is normally only caused by long-term use of large quantities)

If you are worried about any of the Betacap side effects we’ve listed above, or those that are not mentioned, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. They will be able to provide you with guidance on how to proceed and suggest alternative treatments if appropriate.

In a medical emergency — such as an allergic reaction, or any painful or severe side effects while using Betacap — seek medical advice immediately. You should either contact emergency services or go straight to your local A&E for medical attention.

Betacap Scalp warnings

Please read the following warnings carefully to ensure you are selecting a suitable product.

Do not use Betacap Scalp Application if:

• You are allergic to any of its active or inactive ingredients
• You are trying to treat skin/scalp problems other than the one it was prescribed for
• Your scalp has become infected
• You suffer from nut allergies- Betacap contains coconut oil.

Take extra care when using Betacap:

• Keep the solution away from your eyes and mouth
• Do not use near flames or ignition sources
• Ensure your doctor regularly checks your progress to avoid possible complications
• Avoid excessive use (weeks or months on end)

Betacap Scalp Application is not known to interact with other medicines.

If the solution gets into your eye(s) it can potentially cause damage. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of cool water. If rinsing one eye, take care to avoid splashing the solution into the other eye. If after rinsing irritation persists, contact your doctor or pharmacist straight away.

Betacap Scalp Application is for external use only. If accidently swallowed, please follow the emergency action below:

If drowsy or unconscious, administer nothing orally. If they are conscious, encourage them to drink 1-2 cups of water or milk. However, do not carry on if they are vomiting. In all cases, the patient should be taken to a doctor or hospital immediately. Be sure to take the leaflet and container of the Betacap with you.

Carefully read all product packaging and the patient information leaflet provided. Always inform your doctor about medicines you are taking or intend to take.