Calcipotriol solution in scalp psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by three main pathogenic features: abnormal differentiation, keratinocyte hyperproliferation and inflammation. The lesions may disappear spontaneously or as a result of therapy, but recurrences are almost certain. Twenty-seven patients with scalp psoriasis were treated with calcipotriol solution 50 g/ml as twice-daily application for 8 weeks. The assessment was based on the mean sign scores (erythema, thickness and scaliness) at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. The results indicated that five patients were excluded from the study (four because of irregularity and one because of irritation), and 22 patients had completed the treatment course. There was a marked reduction in the total mean scores of erythema, thickness and scaling from 2.8, 2.7 and 2.7 to 0.3, 0.34 and 0.4, respectively. Fifteen patients (68.2%) showed complete clearance of their psoriasis, and most of the lesions cleared by week 6 of treatment. Two patients (9.1%) had marked improvement and four (18.2%) patients showed moderate improvement. No response to calcipotriol solution was seen in only one patient. No adverse effects occurred except severe irritation in one patient, who was excluded from this study. In conclusion, calcipotriol could be a valid choice for the treatment of scalp psoriasis.