Eczema, dermatitis and other inflamed skin conditions when a bacterial infection is present or suspected. Some preparations are also made as ear or eye drops for inflamed, infected ears or eyes.

Two actions in one preparation. Betamethasone switches off the genes driving inflammation, so redness, swelling and itch settle. Neomycin binds to the bacterial ribosome and stops the bacteria making the proteins they need, clearing the infection that the steroid alone would allow to spread.

Burning, stinging or itching at the site. Neomycin itself can cause an allergic contact dermatitis that looks like the rash getting worse. Long use of the steroid can thin the skin.

Use only for the short course the doctor sets, since prolonged neomycin on broken skin can be absorbed and, rarely, affect hearing or the kidneys. Stop and seek advice if the rash worsens, which may mean an allergy to neomycin. Not for viral or fungal skin infections. It is a prescription medicine in Pakistan.