Will Long Term Use Of Betamethasone Cream Cause Low White Blood Cells?

Posted on Wed, 31 Jul 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 Answered on

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Could the long term use of betamethasone cream cause a decrease in white blood cells?

Answered by Dr. Guru (31 minutes later)

Hi,

Thank you for consulting HealthcareMagic!

Steroids can cause INCREASE in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (kind of white blood cells) but DECREASE in lymphocytes (some other kind white blood cells) and also cells like eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils.

However, betamethasone being a low potent steroid and also when used topically, will NOT USUALLY have systemic effects like decreased white blood cells. But may be possible. Anyhow there can be lot of other reasons that can cause decreased white blood cells.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar