Assessing Newer Topical Treatment Options for Scalp Psoriasis

Abstract

The scalp represents the most common site of involvement at the onset and throughout the course of psoriatic disease, yet it remains one of the most difficult anatomic areas to treat. Recent guidelines from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation indicate the preeminence of topical corticosteroids in the management of scalp psoriasis while noting the benefits of various adjunctive agents, including vitamin D₃ analogs and combination therapy. Although a number of topical treatment options are indicated for or have been used off-label to manage scalp psoriasis (short-contact tazarotene 0.05% or 0.1% gel, anthralin solution, keratolytics and clobetasol propionate 0.05% spray, among them), the newest agents approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the management of scalp psoriasis warrant consideration in light of these expert treatment recommendations.