From the Guidelines
Wynzora can be used on the scalp for treating plaque psoriasis, as it is a calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate cream specifically FDA-approved for scalp psoriasis in adults. According to the joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy and alternative medicine modalities for psoriasis severity measures 1, the use of calcipotriene foam and calcipotriene plus betamethasone dipropionate gel is recommended for 4-12 weeks for the treatment of mild to moderate scalp psoriasis. To use Wynzora on the scalp, apply a thin layer to the affected areas once daily for up to 8 weeks. Gently massage the cream into the scalp until it disappears, and wash your hands thoroughly after application. The unique aqueous cream formulation of Wynzora makes it particularly suitable for scalp application as it's less greasy than ointments and easier to apply to hair-bearing areas.
Some key points to consider when using Wynzora on the scalp include:
- The medication works through a dual mechanism - calcipotriene (a vitamin D analog) helps normalize skin cell growth, while betamethasone (a corticosteroid) reduces inflammation and itching 1.
- Patients should avoid getting the medication in their eyes and should not use more than 100 grams per week due to potential systemic absorption of the corticosteroid component.
- The use of combination treatments with vitamin D analogues and potent class II and class III topical corticosteroids up to 52 weeks is recommended for the treatment of psoriasis 1.
- Simultaneous use of salicylic acid with calcipotriene should be avoided because the acid pH of salicylic acid will inactivate calcipotriene and reduce its effectiveness 1.
Overall, Wynzora is a safe and effective treatment option for scalp psoriasis, and its use is supported by the latest guidelines and evidence 1.
From the Research
Wynzora and Scalp Use
- Wynzora, a combination of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate, is used for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis 2, 3.
- Scalp involvement is common in psoriasis, affecting 50 to 80% of patients, and topical treatments are the mainstay of treatment 2, 4, 5.
- The combination of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate is effective and safe for treating scalp psoriasis, including in pediatric populations 2.
- Topical scalp solution formulations of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate are available and have been shown to be safe and effective 2, 6.
- The treatment of scalp psoriasis can be challenging due to the difficulty of applying topical agents and its refractory nature, but combination treatments like calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate are considered the most effective topical therapy 5.
Efficacy and Safety
- Studies have consistently shown that the combination of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate is effective and safe for treating plaque psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis 2, 3, 4, 6.
- The combination treatment has been shown to be more effective than individual ingredients in the same vehicle for treating body and scalp psoriasis 2.
- Rates of withdrawal from treatment and adverse events in trials were generally low and similar to those for placebo 4.