From the Guidelines
Sebco should be used under the guidance of a dermatologist for the treatment of psoriasis, particularly for scalp psoriasis, due to its potential to remove scales and reduce inflammation, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include systemic nonbiologic therapies like methotrexate, as recommended by the joint American Academy of Dermatology-National Psoriasis Foundation guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis with systemic nonbiologic therapies 1.
Key Points for Using Sebco in Psoriasis Treatment
- Apply Sebco directly to the affected areas of the scalp, gently massage it in, and leave it on for at least one hour or overnight for better penetration.
- Cover the treated area with a shower cap to prevent staining and enhance absorption.
- Wash your hair thoroughly with a gentle shampoo to remove the product after the recommended time.
- Typically, Sebco should be used 1-3 times weekly for several weeks, then reduced to once weekly or as needed for maintenance.
- The product works because it contains salicylic acid, which helps soften and remove scales, and coal tar, which reduces inflammation and slows skin cell growth.
Considerations for Systemic Nonbiologic Therapies
- Methotrexate is recommended for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in adults, with a recommended dosage typically ranging from 7.5 to 25 mg weekly 1.
- Methotrexate can be administered orally or subcutaneously, and a test dose should be considered, especially in patients with impaired kidney function 1.
- Administration of folic acid or folinic acid is recommended to reduce the incidence of GI and hepatic adverse effects, but large doses may reduce the efficacy of methotrexate 1.
Monitoring and Safety
- Liver function test monitoring is recommended every 3 to 6 months, assuming there are no laboratory abnormalities in the results, and noninvasive hepatic specific serology should be performed at baseline and annually thereafter 1.
- If scalp irritation, redness, or discomfort occurs, reduce frequency of use or consult a healthcare provider.
- For severe psoriasis, Sebco may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan prescribed by a dermatologist, which may include systemic nonbiologic therapies like methotrexate, as well as phototherapy or biologics, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's response to treatment 1.
From the Research
Topical Treatments for Psoriasis
- Topical therapies are the mainstay for the majority of patients who have limited or mild psoriasis 2.
- The top three topicals used across all severities of disease are topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and potent topical corticosteroids in combination with vitamin D analogs 3.
- Topical treatments combining corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues are well-established first-line treatments in mild-to-moderate psoriasis 4.
Use of Sebco in Psoriasis
- There is no direct mention of "sebco" in the provided studies, however, topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs are commonly used treatments for psoriasis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is possible that "sebco" may be a misspelling or variation of a different term, but without further information, it is unclear how it relates to the treatment of psoriasis.
Recommendations for Topical Treatment
- The clinical effectiveness, fast onset of action, tolerability, cosmetic acceptability, and practicability of topical therapy are important for optimising patient adherence and maximising efficacy 4.
- Simple but detailed practical guidance is provided to assist GPs with the optimal use of topical agents based on efficacy, tolerability, disease severity, site of psoriasis, patient lifestyle and preferences, and intended duration of treatment 4.