A new, once-daily treatment gel is available on prescription today for the itching, flaking and soreness caused by the common condition scalp psoriasis.
Xamiol gel (pronounced "zamiol"), containing calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate, combines the effects of a Vitamin D-like ingredient to help normalise the speed at which skin cells are produced and a steroid to reduce inflammation.
Typical scalp psoriasis treatments include coal tar, dithranol, salicylic acid, steroid creams and ointments, as well as Vitamin D based treatments. In the past, patients have expressed their dissatisfaction with certain treatments, for being ineffective, difficult to apply, making the hair look dirty or smelling strongly. This in turn can affect their willingness to stick to treatment routines. This new combination is an almost clear and odourless gel that is simply applied once-daily: for example in the evening, then left on overnight and washed out the following morning.
"The Psoriasis Association welcomes the introduction of new therapies such as Xamiol that can improve the quality of life of patients and expand the treatment options for this frustrating and traditionally difficult to treat condition", commented Helen McAteer, Information Officer for the Psoriasis Association.
Dr Girish Gupta, Consultant Dermatologist from Monklands Hospital, Lanarkshire added, "the gel formulation makes it easy for people to use; very often they may stop treatment if it is messy or makes the hair look greasy or smell unpleasant. An effective new treatment will be welcomed by sufferers of this uncomfortable and often embarrassing scalp condition."