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.