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Using Betnovate For A Long Time. Itching And Rashes Appear On Stopping The Medication. What To Do?
Question: Hi Doctor
I have been using Betnovate N for almost 10 yrs now. It started with a Doctor prescribing me Betnovate N for skin rashes I had and after that whenever I stopped rashes and the itch came back and forced me to use Betnovate N again.
Now if I try to stop its use, after 3-4 days my face starts getting itchy and red.
please give me a remedy for this.
Thanks
I have been using Betnovate N for almost 10 yrs now. It started with a Doctor prescribing me Betnovate N for skin rashes I had and after that whenever I stopped rashes and the itch came back and forced me to use Betnovate N again.
Now if I try to stop its use, after 3-4 days my face starts getting itchy and red.
please give me a remedy for this.
Thanks
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query.
Yes, this is indeed a very big problem. There is no easy way to manage steroid induced dermatitis. Your skin has become addicted.
How does one treat addiction?
You either stop immediately and totally (in which case, you will undergo dramatic flares not just once but perhaps multiple times); or you can go easy on yourself and withdraw gradually (in which case, you may be delaying the eventual total withdrawal).
The latter method of course, is probably more practical.One way of doing this, is to decrease potency & frequency of use (ex. from daily use to 3X per week, 2X, 1X etc. etc.) and keep stretching the duration. Then start diluting the concentration with a moisturizer. Skin is resilient and can adjust. Either way, you will get flare ups, sometimes even in other parts of your body (sort of rebound phenomenon).
So, do not be discouraged or surprised when you have a flare – it is not a set-back. Just keep on your program. Meanwhile, when you do get a flare, here are some suggestions...
Apply cool water compress on your face 3-4 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes.
Follow immediately with lubrication. If skin gets tight during the day,
keep applying your lubricant as often as necessary.
Take an antihistamine to help contain the itching.
Last but not the least, patience and give it time.
I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any other query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Thanks for the query.
Yes, this is indeed a very big problem. There is no easy way to manage steroid induced dermatitis. Your skin has become addicted.
How does one treat addiction?
You either stop immediately and totally (in which case, you will undergo dramatic flares not just once but perhaps multiple times); or you can go easy on yourself and withdraw gradually (in which case, you may be delaying the eventual total withdrawal).
The latter method of course, is probably more practical.One way of doing this, is to decrease potency & frequency of use (ex. from daily use to 3X per week, 2X, 1X etc. etc.) and keep stretching the duration. Then start diluting the concentration with a moisturizer. Skin is resilient and can adjust. Either way, you will get flare ups, sometimes even in other parts of your body (sort of rebound phenomenon).
So, do not be discouraged or surprised when you have a flare – it is not a set-back. Just keep on your program. Meanwhile, when you do get a flare, here are some suggestions...
Apply cool water compress on your face 3-4 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes.
Follow immediately with lubrication. If skin gets tight during the day,
keep applying your lubricant as often as necessary.
Take an antihistamine to help contain the itching.
Last but not the least, patience and give it time.
I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any other query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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