Betamethasone: Risks of Prolonged Use and Tips to Minimize Systemic Effects and Sodium Retention in Skin Care

Betamethasone is a widely used corticosteroid in clinical practice for the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. However, its prolonged use can lead to a series of systemic effects and local complications that must be carefully considered by healthcare professionals. This article explores the risks associated with the prolonged use of betamethasone and offers practical tips to minimize its side effects.

Risks of Prolonged Use of Betamethasone

The prolonged use of corticosteroids like betamethasone can lead to several complications. Among the most common systemic effects are sodium retention, which can cause hypertension and edema, as well as suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, potentially resulting in adrenal insufficiency upon discontinuation of treatment. Additionally, long-term use may lead to osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, and an increased risk of infections.

In the dermatological field, the continuous use of betamethasone can result in skin atrophy, striae, and telangiectasias. A study on the treatment of psoriasis with betamethasone demonstrated that, while effective, its long-term use must be carefully monitored to avoid these adverse effects [1]. Another study highlighted the importance of proactive management in psoriasis treatment to prolong remission time and reduce the number of relapses [2].

Tips to Reduce Side Effects

To minimize the risks associated with the prolonged use of betamethasone, it is recommended to adopt a proactive treatment approach. This includes intermittent use of the medication and combining it with other treatments to reduce the total dose of corticosteroids required. A recent study suggests that using a combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone may be more effective and safer than using betamethasone alone [3].

Furthermore, it is crucial to educate patients about the importance of skin care and adherence to treatment. Regular monitoring of patients for signs of systemic and local side effects is essential to adjust treatment as necessary. Open communication between the physician and the patient can significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

Betamethasone is a valuable tool in the therapeutic arsenal of physicians, but its prolonged use requires careful management to avoid significant adverse effects. Adopting proactive treatment strategies and educating patients about skin care and the risks of corticosteroids can help minimize these risks. Ongoing research and clinical vigilance are essential to optimize the use of betamethasone in clinical practice.

Referencias

• [1] The two-compound formulation of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate for treatment of moderately severe body and scalp psoriasis - an introduction.
• [2] PSO-LONG: Design of a Novel, 12-Month Clinical Trial of Topical, Proactive Maintenance with Twice-Weekly Cal/BD Foam in Psoriasis.
• [3] Calcipotriol/Betamethasone Dipropionate for the Treatment of Psoriasis: Mechanism of Action and Evidence of Efficacy and Safety versus Topical Corticosteroids.

Created 6/1/2025