Scalp psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, debilitating disease that commonly involves the scalp. Despite a wide range of therapy options, scalp psoriasis remains difficult to treat, highlighting a long-standing unmet need for the safe and effective treatment of scalp psoriasis. Many topical therapies for scalp psoriasis are also difficult or unpleasant to apply, resulting in decreased adherence and efficacy. In brief, the high level of patient dissatisfaction with currently available treatments for psoriasis supports the need for new, effective and well-tolerated treatment options for scalp psoriasis. This article aims to review the efficacy and safety of new formulations and treatment options available to control scalp psoriasis. For example, a new formulation of calcipotriene/betamethasone scalp solution has a rapid onset of action with once daily dosing that improves compliance. The CalePso study examines the safety profile of otherwise established Clobetasol propionate (CP) shampoo 0.05%, and reports that CP shampoo is safe and efficacious in the long-term management of scalp psoriasis. A new foam formulation of coal tar is shown to be cosmetically acceptable and easier to apply.