Defosalic ointment contains two active ingredients, betamethasone dipropionate and salicylic acid. Betamethasone dipropionate is one of a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. It is classified as a “potent corticosteroid”. These medicines are put on the surface of the skin to reduce the redness and itchiness caused by certain skin problems. Salicylic acid softens the top layer of scales on the surface of the skin, which are caused by your skin problem. This allows the betamethasone dipropionate to reach thediseased skin underneath to help heal it. In adults and children, Defosalic ointment is used to treat skin conditions where the outer surface of the skin is covered by a layer of scales. Your ointment will remove the layer of scales and reduce the redness and itchiness caused by your skin problem.

*Do not use Defosalic ointment
- If you are allergic to betamethasone dipropionate, salicylic acid or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (listed in section 6).
- On any other skin problem as it could make it worse especially rosacea (a skin condition affecting the face), acne, dermatitis (skin inflammation) around the mouth, genital itching, nappy rash, cold sores, chickenpox or other skin conditions.
*Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Defosalic ointment.
This medicine should not be used under bandages or plasters. Side effects that may happen with inhaled or oral corticosteroids may also occur with
corticosteroids used on the skin, especially in infants and children.

Children
If the ointment is used more often than it should, or more than prescribed, it can affect some of your child's hormones. This may affect their growth and development.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Important information about some of the ingredients of DEFOSALIC:
Chlorocresol may cause skin irritation.

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Adults:
Once to twice daily. In most cases a thin film should be applied to cover the affected area twice daily. For some patients adequate maintenance therapy may be achieved with less frequent application. It is recommended that Defosalic preparations are prescribed for two weeks, and that treatment is reviewed at that time. The maximum weekly dose should not exceed 60g.

Children:
Dosage in children should be limited to 5 days.
If you use more Defosalic ointment than you should
If you (or somebody else) accidentally swallow the ointment, it should not cause any problems. However, if you are worried, you should see your doctor. If you use the ointment more often than you should, or on large areas of your body, it can affect some of your hormones. In children this may affect their growth and development. If you have used it too often and/or for a long time, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist.
If you forget to use Defosalic ointment
If you forget to use your ointment at the right time, use it as soon as you remember, then carry on as before.
If you stop using Defosalic ointment
If you have been using the ointment for a long time and your skin problem seems to have got better, you should not suddenly stop using the ointment.

If you do, you may find that your skin becomes red and you may notice stinging or burning. To avoid this, you should speak to your doctor who will gradually reduce how often you need to use the ointment until you stop treatment altogether. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
- Thinning of the skin, stinging, blistering, peeling, swelling, itching, burning, skin rash, dryness of the skin and you may notice red marks. This can happen more easily in infants and children.
- Inflammation of the hair follicles, excessive hair growth, reduced skin pigmentation and allergic skin reactions.
- Dermatitis (skin inflammation), a condition brought on by the skin reacting to outside agent e.g. detergents, causing the skin to become red and itchy.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not store above 25° C.
Store in the original container.
To be used within one month after opening.
Do not use Defosalic after the expiry date which is stated on the tube and carton after 'EXP'. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not use Defosalic if you notice any visible signs of deterioration.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.
Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.
These measures will help to protect the environment.