Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis: Review of the Evidence and Delphi Consensus of the Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

Scalp lesions are common in psoriasis and difficult to treat. Scientific evidence on the topic is scant and fragmentary, especially with respect to long-term treatment. This consensus statement is based on a critical assessment of the results of a MEDLINE search for clinical trials of the efficacy and safety of therapies used to treat scalp psoriasis. The recommendations were developed by an expert panel using the Delphi process to reach a consensus and then ratified by the members of the Psoriasis Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. The recommended induction therapy for scalp psoriasis is either a topical corticosteroid or a topical treatment combining calcipotriol and betamethasone. The choice of an appropriate vehicle is crucial in improving effectiveness and patient adherence to treatment. The only formulations that have been studied in the long-term treatment of scalp psoriasis are a combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone in gel and calcipotriol alone in solution.