This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Beclometasone cream and ointment are used to treat itching, swollen and irritated skin. They can help with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
Beclometasone (sometimes written as beclomethasone) is a type of medicine known as a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). This is not the same as an anabolic steroid.
When you have an allergic reaction or your skin is irritated, chemicals are released into the skin. Beclometasone cream stops these chemicals getting to your skin and also helps to reduce swelling, redness and itching.
It's stronger than some other steroid skin creams such as hydrocortisone.
Beclometasone skin cream is available on prescription only.
Beclometasone also comes as:
- beclometasone inhalers – for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- beclometasone nasal (nose) spray – for hay fever and cold-like symptoms caused by common allergies (rhinitis)
- beclometasone tablets – for ulcerative colitis
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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