Preparations containing
calcipotriol combined with
betamethasone dipropionate (in the forms of
ointment, gel, and foam) are available for the topical treatment of
psoriasis. This review summarizes the differences in the efficacy and safety of these formulations, as well as the preferences of patients with various forms of
psoriasis (plaque, scalp, and nail
psoriasis). It has been documented that foams provide higher bioavailability, resulting in increased efficacy in plaque
psoriasis compared to
ointments and
gels.
Gels or foams are preferred by patients for their different practical qualities (e.g.,
gels for "easy application", and foams for "immediate relief"). The available data indicate that
ointments may be the most effective formulation in nail
psoriasis, and
gels are preferred by patients with scalp
psoriasis because of their cosmetic features. Treatment with a foam formulation is associated with a lower number of medical appointments compared to treatment with an
ointment and with a lower probability of developing indications for systemic treatment. The safety profiles of foams,
ointments, and
gels are comparable, with the most common adverse effect being
pruritus at the application site (in 5.8% of the patients). A long-term proactive maintenance
therapy markedly reduces the number of relapses and is likely to close the gap between topical and systemic treatment in
psoriasis.