My experiences with Betnovate

Betnovate is a famous brand of topical steroid Betamethasone valerate.

Recently we saw many acne patients with monomorphic lesions ( all lesions have same morphology). This particular type of acne is frequently seen in patients who are on steroids, topical or oral. Over a period of time we have found Betnovate to be most common culprit. We were surprised by this rampant " cosmetic" use of betnovate and decided to find more. And man what we found!! People specially young guys and girls were using it to lighten the skin color. God!! thats hypopigmentation and thats a side effect. There are other side effects too like thinning of skin and permanent blood vessel dilatation( this will cause redness- people like Fair and redness combo), increased fragility of skin etc. People are using this cream to get "desired side effect" and are ignoring all other side effects.

I will narrate 2 incidents to highlight the issue of widespread cosmetic use of Betnovate. One incident involves a newly married woman. Apparently she started using Betnovate before her marriage. After marriage she shifted to her in-laws place and here Betnovate was not available. So soon her "fairness and redness" was gone. She attended hospital on her husband's insistence and asked for an alternative for Betnovate!! so that she can continue to look fairer. The other incident involves a medicine shop owner. One patient proudly narrates a story where how the local people threatened a medicine shop owner to keep a constant supply of Betnovate!

I am surprised to learn what marketing and promotion can do!! And, " intelligent"-among-local people have contributed their bit, i am sure of it.