Calcipotriol-betamethasone ointment versus calcipotriol ointment in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.

Of 17 patients (10 men and 7 women) with psoriasis vulgaris, aged between 12 and 59 years, included in this study, 4 patients were excluded (3 because of a treatment follow-up irregularity and 1 due to severe irritation). Thirteen patients completed the 6-week treatment course where each patient was instructed to apply calcipotriol-betamethasone ointment on the right side and calcipotriol ointment on the left side. The treatment effect was assessed according to the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) changes, and complete blood count and serum calcium was done prior to and at the end of the treatment. Results showed that both sides had improved by 92.3%, with a marked reduction in the mean PASI (from 11.5 to 2.2); a better reduction was observed in the right side during the second and third visits. A marked improvement to complete clearance was seen in 84.6% in calcipotriol-betamethasone side and 76.9% in calcipotriol alone. Mild irritation was reported in the left side in 15.4% which was tolerated with the continuation of treatment application. No telangiectasia or atrophy was observed on the right side. In conclusion, calcipotriol-betamethasone may be recommended in the early weeks of the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, and it is helpful in psoriasis patients with irritation to calcipotriol alone.