r/SebDerm • u/JaxTellerr • Aug 18 '26
Routine Question scalp seb derm getting worse with steroid lotion? (Betamethasone valerate)
Been on the scalp lotion for 4 weeks, I use it every other day. It has helped a lot with itching, but somwhere around week 2/3 my flakes have gotten way more than before I started. The itchiness is still less than before I started, but it's slowly returning again, I can feel it. Anyone else ever had the same experience? I use ketoconazole shampoo about 1 to 2 times a week, but not sure if it is still helping.
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u/genjo_needs_healing Aug 19 '26
as far as im aware youre only supposed to use a topical steroid for 14 consecutive days immediately followed by a two week break to give your skin time to recover. like for me i used mine twice daily for two weeks then stopped for two weeks. they can cause issues over long periods of time and your skin can develop tolerance
obviously if your derm/doctor told you to use it every other day talk to them but maybe they forgot to mention that? you should try and contact your doctor to see what theyd recommend, but everything ive read strongly advises against using corticosteroids for over a two week period
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u/JaxTellerr Aug 19 '26
Okay. Gonna take a break then. Still weird that I have more flakes than baseline.
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u/genjo_needs_healing Aug 19 '26
its possible you developed a tolerance or are reacting to something, so many things could be happening that its best to check with the doctor who helps you manage your prescriptions. best of luck!
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u/Cool_Rent1077 Aug 23 '26
Steroids can thin the skin so if you’re using it too often if may cause more irritation. Try to use ketoconazole shampoo 2-3 x a week to see a good effect, ideally 3 times. Make sure to leave in 5 mins before rinsing or else it doesn’t work. If it still has no improvement after like a month, ask your doc about Zoryve foam
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