Scalp psoriasis: topical calcipotriol 50 micrograms/g/ml solution vs. betamethasone valerate 1% lotion

Forty-two patients aged between 6 and 61 years (mean: 33.5 years) with psoriasis of the scalp were enrolled in this study. Twenty-seven patients (69%) were males and 15 (31%) were females. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of topical calcipotriol 50 micrograms/g/ml solution vs. betamethasone valerate 1% lotion in the treatment of psoriasis of the scalp. The study was randomized with the twice-daily application of either calcipotriol solution or betamethasone valerate lotion for 6 weeks. Treatment evaluation was clinically based on signs of psoriasis (thickness, redness, scaliness) which were scored from 0 = absent to 4 = severest possible involvement and was performed at the start of treatment and at weeks 2 and 6 of treatment. The results showed a marked improvement and clearance at the end of treatment in 15 (72.8%) of the 24 patients in the calcipotriol group and in 13 of the 18 patients (72%) in the betamethasone group. The mean total sign score at baseline was 5.1 in the calcipotriol group and 5.4 in the betamethasone valerate group. At the end of treatment, this score was decreased to 2.1 and 1.49, respectively. No significant adverse effects were reported in either group except in two patients (8.3%) in the calcipotriol group who developed signs of irritation including itching and erythema. In conclusion, both drugs were effective and well tolerated in the treatment of scalp psoriasis but in some patients calcipotriol had to be given for more prolonged courses.