Betamethasone-17-Valerate

What is it? 

Betamethasone 17-valerate is a topical corticosteroid medication used to treat certain skin conditions.  It reduces swelling, itching and redness of the skin.  It may be found in topical creams, lotions, ointments, and powders as well as in ear, nose and eye drops.

It belongs to the Group 3 type of corticosteroids.

How do I avoid it? 

There are many types of cortisone products. An allergy to Betamethasone 17-valerate does not mean you are allergic to all other forms of cortisones.

Skin contact with Betamethasone 17-valerate is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing Betamethasone 17-valerate should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. The most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis from Betamethasone 17-valerate is corticosteroid creams. By law, all products made in the US for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of you skin care products and topical medications.  If there is no information, ask your pharmacist.  At work, request a material safety data sheet (MSDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

You should alert your health care provider of this allergy so he does not prescribe this medication or cross-reacting medications. Your physician may wish to further study this allergy by testing to several corticosteroids so that you may use safer corticosteroids if necessary in the future.