Dovobet Ointment Under Occlusion Overnight for Troublesome Scalp Psoriasis

In an open observational study from 2006, Dovobet® ointment, which contains calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate, was applied overnight under occlusion to treat scalp psoriasis in 10 patients who had not responded to at least two standard treatments and were not on any second-line therapy. The patients, aged 17-64, applied the ointment nightly for one week, using a shower cap to hold it in place, and washed it out the next morning with a non-medicated shampoo. The efficacy was measured using a modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and visual analogue score for itch. After one week, there was a significant reduction in the severity of scalp psoriasis and itch, with further improvement by week four. The study concluded that Dovobet® ointment applied overnight was very effective for treating scalp psoriasis, with no side effects noted except difficulty washing out the ointment from long hair. The study suggested that a dedicated Dovobet® scalp formulation would be beneficial, especially for patients with longer hair.