Calcipotriol (Dovonex) scalp solution in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: comparative efficacy with 1% coal tar/1% coconut oil/0.5% salicylic acid (Capasal) shampoo, and long-term experience

In a study from 2000, calcipotriol scalp solution was found to be more effective than a coal tar-based shampoo in treating scalp psoriasis. The study involved 238 patients using calcipotriol and 237 using the coal tar shampoo over an 8-week period. Results showed that 57% of patients using calcipotriol experienced moderate improvement or better, compared to 37% of those using the coal tar shampoo, with an odds ratio of 3.2 in favor of calcipotriol. Patients who responded to calcipotriol continued treatment for an additional 16 weeks and showed further improvement. Although there were more adverse events reported in the calcipotriol group (137 out of 230 patients) than the coal tar group (77 out of 215 patients), these were mainly local skin irritations and no changes in calcium levels were detected. The study concluded that calcipotriol scalp solution is more effective than coal tar-based shampoo and is well-tolerated over long-term use.