Calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: a phase II study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is a need for more effective therapy for scalp psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of a 2-compound scalp formulation including calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. METHODS: Patients (n = 218) with scalp psoriasis were randomized to treatment with the 2-compound scalp formulation (n = 108) or betamethasone dipropionate in the same vehicle (n = 110). The treatments were applied once daily on the scalp for up to 8 weeks. RESULTS: The 2-compound scalp formulation showed a significantly higher efficacy than betamethasone dipropionate on the total sign score at the end of treatment (p = 0.042) and after 2 weeks (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation was superior to betamethasone dipropionate in the same vehicle when used once daily for up to 8 weeks in the treatment of scalp psoriasis.