0.05 percent betamethasone dipropionate in optimized cream vehicle for psoriasis

A multicenter open clinical evaluation of 0.05 percent betamethasone dipropionate in optimized cream vehicle for the treatment of psoriatic lesions was conducted to investigate its efficacy. There were 348 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who completed the three-week clinical trial. Three hundred and ten patients used the cream twice a day and another 38 patients used it once a day. All patients responded well to treatment. Significant improvement was observed at all follow-up visits on days 8, 15, and 21 (p less than 0.001) for measures of erythema, induration, and scaling of lesions. The response was equally impressive whether the patient's psoriatic status prior to the treatment was stable or worsening, involved more than 50 percent of the skin surface or less, or had lasted more than ten years or less. The response of psoriasis to once-a-day application of cream was as good as that seen with twice-a-day application. Side effects, noted in a small percentage of patients, were burning, dry skin, and pruritus. We conclude that the cream is a safe and highly effective treatment for psoriasis. The once-a-day application is probably adequate for control of psoriasis.