Belosalic ointment and cutaneous solution – betamethasone and salicylic acid for psoriasis and scaly dermatoses

Belosalic is a skin medicine combining two active substances: betamethasone dipropionate, a potent corticosteroid, and salicylic acid, which softens the scaly surface layer of the skin so the corticosteroid can reach the affected skin. It is made by Belupo d.d., Croatia.

In Serbia it is authorised as an ointment (0.5 mg/g betamethasone + 30 mg/g salicylic acid) and as a cutaneous solution (0.5 mg/g + 20 mg/g) for the scalp. According to the leaflet, it is used in adults and children only for skin conditions in which the upper layer of the skin is covered with scales, including psoriasis.

What is Belosalic used for and how should it be applied correctly?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Belosalic used for?

Belosalic is used in adults and children only to treat skin conditions in which the upper layer of the skin is covered with scales. It removes the scale layer and reduces redness and itching.

• Ointment: inflammatory skin conditions responsive to corticosteroids, as well as scalp psoriasis and chronic plaque psoriasis of the hands and feet (not used for widespread plaque psoriasis).
• Cutaneous solution: scaly inflammatory lesions, such as psoriasis, on the scalp.

How is it used and dosed?

Ointment – adults:

• once or twice a day (in most cases twice) apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently;
• in some patients maintenance treatment may be less frequent – the doctor decides;
• on the face no longer than 5 days; the maximum weekly dose is 60 g; the doctor may schedule a check after two weeks.

Cutaneous solution – adults and children:

• apply a few drops in a thin layer and rub gently into the affected area of the scalp twice a day;
• use only on the scalp and avoid contact with the eyes, nose and mouth;
• do not use large amounts of the solution for long periods.

Long-term continuous use should be avoided in all patients regardless of age.

Special patient groups

• Children: do not use on a child's skin for more than 5 days; in children under 12 use is not recommended without careful medical supervision.
• Too frequent use in children may affect hormones, growth and development; with the solution, facial swelling and increased pressure around the brain (bulging fontanelle, headache, visual disturbances) have also been described.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

• allergy to betamethasone dipropionate, salicylic acid or any excipient;
• rosacea, acne, perioral dermatitis, perianal and genital itching;
• tuberculosis of the skin and most viral skin infections (herpes simplex, vaccinia, varicella);
• nappy rash, fungal or bacterial skin infections without simultaneous appropriate treatment.

Precautions and warnings

• In psoriasis, continuous use may lead to spreading or worsening of the disease and excessive systemic absorption – the doctor monitors the condition.
• Side effects of systemic corticosteroids, including adrenal suppression, may also occur with topical use, especially in infants and children.
• Stop treatment and see your doctor if excessive dryness or increased skin irritation occurs; tell your doctor about blurred vision.
• If your condition worsens soon after stopping, do not restart without medical advice.
• Do not smoke or go near open flames – fabric in contact with the product burns more easily.

Interactions with other medicines

According to the leaflet, no interactions of Belosalic ointment with other medicines are known. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you use, including non-prescription ones.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended unless the doctor considers it necessary.

Driving and using machines

The medicine is applied locally to the skin; no effect on the ability to drive or use machines is described (for the solution: not applicable).

Possible side effects

• Long-term continuous use may cause thinning of the skin, stretch marks and dilated capillaries, especially on the face.
• Reported with topical corticosteroids: stinging, itching, irritation, dry skin, folliculitis, excessive hair growth, acne-like eruptions, reduced pigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration, secondary infections, stretch marks, miliaria and blurred vision.
• Withdrawal reactions after long-term use: spreading redness, burning, itching, peeling.
• Prolonged use of products containing salicylic acid may cause dermatitis.

Report any suspected side effect to your doctor, pharmacist or ALIMS.

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• If the medicine is accidentally swallowed, no problems are expected; if you are worried, contact your doctor.
• Too frequent use or application to large areas may affect hormones and, in children, growth and development; with the solution, nausea, vomiting and ringing in the ears have also been described.
• Missed dose: apply as soon as you remember and continue as prescribed.
• Stopping: after longer use do not stop suddenly – the doctor will reduce the frequency gradually.

Related information

For additional care and support with psoriasis and eczema, see also the Eczema and Psoriasis – care for sensitive skin category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.

Composition, packaging and manufacturer

• Ointment: 1 g contains 0.5 mg betamethasone (as dipropionate) and 30 mg salicylic acid; excipients liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin; white, translucent ointment in a 30 g aluminium tube.
• Cutaneous solution: 1 g contains 0.5 mg betamethasone and 20 mg salicylic acid; excipients disodium edetate, hypromellose, sodium hydroxide, isopropyl alcohol, purified water; clear, viscous solution smelling of isopropyl alcohol in a 50 mL dropper bottle.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Predstavništvo Belupo, lijekovi i kozmetika d.d., Belgrade (Voždovac), Mosorska 1. Manufacturer: Belupo d.d., Koprivnica, Croatia.

Storage

• Store below 25 °C.
• Shelf life after first opening: ointment 12 months, solution 3 months (below 25 °C).
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Belosalic ointment and solution?

The ointment contains 30 mg/g salicylic acid and is used on the skin of the body, hands and feet; the solution contains 20 mg/g and is intended only for the scalp.

How much ointment may I use per week?

According to the leaflet, the maximum weekly dose of Belosalic ointment is 60 g.

Can Belosalic be used in children?

Yes, on medical advice, but for no longer than 5 days; in children under 12 only under careful medical supervision.

Why is it important to avoid open flames?

Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) that has been in contact with the product burns more easily, and washing does not remove it completely.

Sources

• ALIMS – Package leaflet Belosalic®, 0.5 mg/g + 30 mg/g, ointment (May 2023, in Serbian)
• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics Belosalic®, ointment (in Serbian)
• ALIMS – Package leaflet Belosalic®, 0.5 mg/g + 20 mg/g, cutaneous solution (September 2023, in Serbian)
• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics Belosalic®, cutaneous solution (in Serbian)

Date sources were checked: 24.10.2026.