SW Betamethasone Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: Topical corticosteroids, such as betamethasone valerate, are effective in the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses primarily because of anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and vasoconstrictive actions.
The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin will increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids.
Once absorbed through the skin topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathway similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolised primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.
Its exact mechanism of action is not known. It appears to stabilize the membranes of lysosomes, thereby promoting the containment not only of cathespins especially but also of other enzymes within the lysosomal sac.