Bettamousse 0.1% Foam

Bettamousse 0.1% Cutaneous Foam

What is Bettamousse used for?

Bettamousse 0.1% cutaneous foam is used to treat psoriasis of the scalp. It relieves the redness, itching, tightness and soreness that scalp psoriasis can cause by reducing inflammation in the affected area.

Scalp psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes raised, red patches covered in silvery scales. It can affect part or all of the scalp and may extend to the forehead, the back of the neck, or behind the ears. In addition to being uncomfortable, persistent itching and irritation can damage the skin and increase the risk of infection if left untreated.

How does Bettamousse work?

Bettamousse contains betamethasone valerate, a topical corticosteroid. These medicines come in four potency levels (mild, moderately potent, potent and very potent) and betamethasone sits in the potent category.

This treatment containing betamethasone works by delivering betamethasone directly to the affected skin, suppressing the inflammatory response that causes the redness, itching and soreness associated with psoriasis. Bettamousse helps keep symptoms under control, providing relief from scalp psoriasis and preventing skin damage from developing.

Who can use Bettamousse?

Bettamousse 0.1% cutaneous foam is a scalp application suitable for adults and children aged 6 and over with scalp psoriasis.

Don’t use Bettamousse if you:

• Are allergic to betamethasone valerate or any of the other ingredients
• Have an untreated scalp infection
• Are under 6 years of age

Speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional before using Bettamousse if you:

• Have any kind of skin or scalp infection
• Have open wounds on your scalp
• Experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are taking ritonavir (for HIV) or itraconazole (for fungal infections), as these can affect how Bettamousse works

How To Use Bettamousse

The can must be held upside down to dispense the foam correctly.

1. Shake the can well before use.
2. Remove the cap and turn the can upside down.
3. Squirt the required amount of mousse onto a clean saucer or something similar. Don’t squirt it into your hand, as the mousse melts when it touches your skin.
4. Massage the foam into the affected areas of the scalp, not your hair.
5. Wash your hands immediately after use.
6. Allow your hair to dry naturally. Don’t wash your hair straight after applying; let the foam work overnight or throughout the day.

You can wash and dry your hair immediately before applying the foam.

Adults: Use no more than a golf ball-sized amount of mousse onto the scalp and apply to the affected areas of the scalp twice a day, morning and evening. If there’s no improvement after 7 days, stop using Bettamousse and speak to your doctor.

Children over 6: The dose depends on the child’s size. For a child half the size of an adult, use no more than half a golf ball-sized amount. Apply twice daily for no longer than 7 days. If symptoms haven’t improved, speak to your doctor.

As symptoms improve, the foam can be applied once a day. If the condition continues to get better, it may be possible to apply it once every few days to keep symptoms from returning. Don’t stop using Bettamousse without speaking to your doctor first.

Side Effects of Bettamousse

Like all medicines, Bettamousse can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.

Common Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Burning or pain at the application site
• Itching

Very Rare Side Effects

These are associated with prolonged use and may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people:

• Skin thinning, which may cause stretch marks or make the skin more prone to damage
• Skin wrinkling or dryness
• Changes to skin colour
• Visible blood vessels under the skin
• Increased body hair or hair loss
• Weight gain or rounding of the face
• Allergic reaction at the site of application
• Worsening of psoriasis, including pustular psoriasis (raised bumps with pus under the skin)
• Skin infection

In children, also look out for:

• Delayed weight gain
• Slow growth

Very rare side effects that may show up in blood tests or at a medical examination include raised blood sugar, high blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels, cataracts, osteoporosis and blurred vision.

Steroid Withdrawal Reaction

If Bettamousse is used continuously for a prolonged period, a withdrawal reaction may occur on stopping. Signs include redness extending beyond the initial treatment area, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling skin, or oozing sores.

Stop using Bettamousse and tell your doctor as soon as possible if your skin condition gets worse or becomes swollen during treatment, or if you develop pustular psoriasis.

If you get any side effects not listed here, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Bettamousse Ingredients

Active ingredient: Betamethasone valerate 1mg/g (0.1%)

Other ingredients: Cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, ethanol anhydrous, purified water, propylene glycol (E1520), citric acid anhydrous, potassium citrate and butane/propane.

Warnings and Precautions

• Use as little Bettamousse as possible for the shortest time necessary. Long-term or excessive use increases the risk of side effects.
• Avoid contact with your eyes, the inside of your nose and mouth and any open wounds. If the foam gets into your eyes, rinse well with cold water.
• This product is flammable. Don’t use it near a naked flame, lit cigarette, or direct source of heat, including hairdryers. Don’t smoke while using or holding the can.
• Don’t pierce or burn the can, even when empty.
• If your condition worsens or doesn’t improve after 7 days, stop using Bettamousse and speak to your doctor.
• If your condition returns within 2 weeks of stopping treatment, don’t restart without consulting your doctor first.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you’re taking, particularly ritonavir (for HIV) or itraconazole (for fungal infections).
• If you’re using this product long-term, your doctor may ask you to have regular check-ups.
• Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store upright below 25°C. Don’t refrigerate. Protect from direct sunlight and other sources of heat.
• Don’t use after the expiry date shown on the label.