Treatment of nummular psoriasis with a clobetasol propionate stick

Twenty-two consecutive patients with nummular psoriasis were treated with a 0.05% clobetasol propionate stick on the right side of the body and with 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment (Dermovate, Glaxo) on the left according to an intermittent application schedule. The trial was open and lasted for 3 weeks. The patients were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the trial. The variables studied included: an overall clinical assessment, assessment of the lesion area, scaling, erythema and thickness and the amount of clobetasol propionate used during the trial, and a questionnaire on patients' opinions about hygienic and cosmetic qualities of the stick. No significant difference was found between the stick and corresponding ointment. From a hygienic and cosmetic point of view, the patients preferred the stick formulation.