Common diseases/treatment options: treatment options for psoriasis part 1: topical treatments

A 40-year-old Hispanic man presented for treatment of dermatitis on his elbows and knees that had been evident for 5 years (Figure 1). He also had scaling plaques on his scalp. He had not been treated previously. He did not have any other medical problems and did not complain of arthritis. A clinical diagnosis was made of psoriasis and he was prescribed clobetasol propionate ointment with salicylic acid 6% in petrolatum that should be applied in the evening to his elbows and knees and calcipotriene ointment with clobetasol that should be applied in the morning. For his scalp, he was prescribed betamethasone valerate foam 0.12% to be applied directly to the scalp once a day and told to use a tar shampoo contain-ing 4% neutar solubilized coal tar extract (1.0% coal tar) three times a week. He followed this regimen for 2 weeks and the plaques became much less keratotic. He continued his scalp regimen. He then started using calcipotriene ointment and clobetasol propionate ointment together twice a day. Three weeks later the plaques were much flatter and less erythematous. The patient was instructed to apply clobetasol propionate to the affected areas twice a day on Saturday and Sunday and calcipotriene twice a day Monday through Friday. At this point, his scalp was almost clear and the patient was told touse the foam as necessary and to continue the shampoo.