Diprosone Lotion 0.05%
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Patient Information Leaflet Diprosone Lotion
Diprosone is a potent steroid lotion that reduces eczema and psoriasis on the scalp. Diprosone lotion prevents your immune system from being triggered by skin irritation and allergies. Reducing instances of inflammation, dry skin, and irritation on the scalp. It's suitable for most adults and children and contains the active ingredient betamethasone dipropionate.
- Treatment for psoriasis and eczema
- Topical application of adrenocorticosteroid
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Diprosone Lotion 0.05%
Pack Size: 1 x 100ml Lotion
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Diprosone lotion is used to treat psoriasis of the scalp. It contains a type of drug called a corticosteroid, which helps alleviate inflammation of the skin in the affected region. Diprosone is only available to buy in the UK on prescription; Merck Sharp and Dohme markets it.
When to Use Diprosone Lotion 0.05%?
Diprosone lotion is a topical corticosteroid that treats itchy and inflammatory skin conditions. It's mostly used on the scalp and other areas of the body with hair.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or conditions, using the lotion can be beneficial:
- Psoriasis: A skin condition that results in red and scaly patches.
- Eczema: A common skin problem that causes redness and itching.
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Skin inflammation, itching, and redness.
The lotion is most popular for scalp applications because you can apply it and massage it into the scalp.
Diprosone Lotion Age Restrictions
Adults and children over 13 can use Diprosone, but it may be unsuitable for younger children. As a potent corticosteroid, Diprosone can cause side effects in children under 13, and you should never use it on a child unless your doctor recommends doing so.
How to Use Diprosone Lotion 0.05%?
As with all systemic and topical corticosteroids, you should always take precautions when using Diprosone and follow the instructions:
- Prepare: Wash your hands and ensure the scalp is dry before applying the lotion.
- Apply: Shake the bottle thoroughly before use and apply a few drops (or a thin layer) directly to the scalp.
- Massage: Massage the lotion into your scalp thoroughly.
You should never exceed the recommended amount, and always follow your prescriber's instructions. Using more won't have a positive effect, but could result in reactions.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the lotion - unless you're using it to relieve a skin condition that affects the hands.
You'll usually use Diprosone for around four weeks, but your doctor may recommend a longer treatment for severe scalp conditions.
When to Avoid Using Diprosone?
Diprosone is a powerful topical corticosteroid; you should exercise caution when using it. It's also not suitable for everyone, and if any of the following apply, it may be best to avoid it:
- Skin Infections: If you have a viral or fungal skin infection, using Diprosone cream can increase your symptoms. Please ask your pharmacist to recommend an alternative treatment.
- Rosacea and Acne: Diprosone isn't meant to treat rosacea and acne; steroids could worsen the condition.
- Allergies: Individuals with allergies and sensitivities to any ingredients should also avoid using the lotion.
- Damaged Skin: You should never use the lotion on broken skin or severe burns.
- Certain Areas: Please avoid applying the lotion under occlusive dressings and specific body areas around the eyes and mouth.
- Young Children: In rare cases, a doctor may recommend Diprosone for paediatric patients under 13, but this is only for severe skin conditions where other treatments haven't worked. However, your doctor may recommend a less potent corticosteroid, as Diprosone can lead to delayed weight gain, muscle weakness and delayed growth in children.
Precautions of Diprosone
It's essential to follow your doctor's instructions and use Diprosone for a maximum of four weeks. Most healthcare professionals will advise pregnant and breastfeeding women against using the lotion, but it depends on individual circumstances.
You should also avoid applying the lotion on extensive body surface areas, as it can cause skin thinning.
Ingredients of Diprosone
Betamethasone dipropionate (0.064% w/w, equivalent to 0.05% w/w) is the active ingredient in Diprosone. The synthetic corticosteroid reduces inflammation and itching, treating your symptoms.
Inactive Ingredients:
- Carbomer
- Sodium hydroxide
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Purified water
Side Effects Diprosone Lotion 0.05%
As with all corticosteroids, Diprosone lotion can cause side effects. Most people won't experience any complications, but being aware of the potential dangers is beneficial. If you experience any suspected adverse reactions, please talk to your doctor.
Common Side Effects
You may experience an allergic reaction or sensitivity at the application site, including:
- Burning
- Skin rash
- Irritation
- Stinging
- Itching
- Minor Discomfort
- Redness of the skin
Serious Side Effects
- Skin atrophy (thinning): Long-term steroid usage can lead to thinning skin, increasing the risks of bruising and stretch marks.
- Skin Colour Changes: The skin colour may change, becoming lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker.
- Folliculitis: Folliculitis creates pus-filled bumps that can be incredibly uncomfortable.
- Worsening Skin Conditions: Corticosteroids can worsen skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis: If you're sensitive to corticosteroids, you may experience an allergic reaction
- Steroid Withdrawal Reaction: Long-term steroid usage can result in withdrawal symptoms, which may lead to your initial symptoms returning.
Systemic Side Effects
While rare, using Diprosone for prolonged periods or in widespread areas can lead to the bloodstream absorbing betamethasone dipropionate. This increases the risks of experiencing side effects associated with oral steroids:
- Adrenal Suppression: Your body's ability to produce corticosteroids may decrease. Secondary adrenal insufficiency can cause dizziness and weakness.
- Cushing's Syndrome: Cushing's Syndrome is characterised by a moon-shaped face, muscle weakness and extreme weight gain.
- Vision problems: In rare cases, vision problems can develop, including blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma, and other visual disturbances.
- Intracranial Hypertension: Children are also more at risk of a condition known as intracranial hypertension, which causes excess pressure in the skull.
Ingredients
This lotion contains: betamethasone dipropionate, carbomer, isopropyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide and purified water.
Warnings
Do not use Diprosone Lotion 0.05% 100ml if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or for any skin condition other than the one(s) it has been prescribed for.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
Stop using immediately and contact your doctor if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.
As with all medicines you may experience side effects, although most people find that when the lotion is used correctly, it does not cause any problems. However, if you use the lotion more than you should it can cause redness, stinging, blistering, peeling, swelling, itching, burning, skin rash, dryness of the skin, inflammation of the hair follicles, excessive hair growth, reduced skin pigmentation, allergic skin reactions, dermatitis (skin inflammation), other skin infections, thinning of the skin and red marks. This can happen more easily in infants and children.
If you experience any of the side effects above or ones that are not listed in the patient information leaflet contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Leaflets
Please review the patient information leaflet provided before using Diprosone Lotion 0.05%, and feel free to contact our registered pharmacists today if you have any questions. Pharmacy Online is always on hand to offer advice and support.
