Eczema, psoriasis, contact and seborrhoeic dermatitis, lichen planus and other inflamed skin conditions. Scalp lotions treat inflamed, scaly patches on the scalp.

Applied to the skin, betamethasone enters skin cells and switches off the genes that drive inflammation, while turning on ones that damp it down. Fewer inflammatory signals reach the area, so redness, swelling and itching settle.

Burning, stinging or itching where it is applied. Longer use can thin the skin, cause stretch marks, spider veins, acne-like spots or lightened patches, and can allow fungal or bacterial skin infections to take hold.

Use the smallest amount that controls the problem, for the shortest time, and only on the areas the doctor named. Do not use it on the face, in skin folds or on a baby's nappy area unless told to, do not cover it with an airtight dressing, and do not use it on infected or broken skin. It is a prescription medicine in Pakistan.