Just been diagnosed and have a few questions about treatment - Betnovate

Hi there, I have a similar experience of scalp psoriasis as you have described and have found Betnovate to be very effective. I was told to apply a thin layer to the patches of psorasis only (don't put it on healthy skin) overnight for a maximum of four weeks. You should then use Calcipotriol for two weeks before going back on to Betnovate. At least, that's what my dermatologist told me. I have also found applying Betnovate (or rather Dovobet gel, which is similar) to my scalp for an hour, and then also applying Sebco (a coconut oil, coal tar and salicylic acid preparation) afterwards and leaving it on for 8 hours to be even more effective. You can get Sebco from your GP. They may try and prescribe you Cocois (which is almost identical to Sebco) but this is no longer available, so do ask for Sebco. Sebco really helps with the itching - far more than Betnovate or Dovobet does. You should also use a very strong shampoo to get this stuff out of your hair afterwards. Ceanel or Capasal seem to be the best. Hope this helps :)

Hi. With corticosteroid gels you have make sure the correct one is given for scalp/face as skin is thinner on head and scalp as you likely know. l had a pretty harsh flare up on the scalp about 2 weeks ago and had a phone consultation with a GP due to Covid. anyhow I asked explained the flare up and asked her could I have Eumovate Gel again as this corticosteroid gel is one that u can use on the head and Face. GP sent prescription to chemist and I went to pick up the ointment (100g tube of EMOVATE OINTMENT - Clobetasone Butyrate). and within 4 maybe 5 days of applying this to my scalp in conjunction with daily using of Alphosyl Coal tarr shampoo I am, for the first time in 5 and a half years, free of scalp psoriasis. So, my recommendation - EMOVATE Ointment

@LM1991 Have you tried cocois ointment? (It smells lovely - like creosote Lol I like it) Google it - My Dermatologist recommended it.

Cocois Cocois (Coconut Oil Compound Ointment) Patient Information Leaflet: Cocois® Coconut Oil compound Ointment Coal tar 12%w/w, Salicylic acid 2%w/w and sulphur for external use 4%w/w Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you. This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to use Cocois carefully to get the best results from it. Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve. In this leaflet: 1. What Cocois is for 2. Before you use Cocois 3. How to use Cocois 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Cocois 6. Further information. 1. What Cocois is for Cocois contains coal tar, salicylic acid and sulphur for external use. Coal tar and sulphur are mildly antiseptic and relieves itching. Sulphur also has an antifungal action. Coal tar, salicylic acid and sulphur help to reduce the excessive hardening, thickening and scaling of the skin. Cocois is for the treatment of dry scaly skin disorders of the scalp such as psoriasis, eczema, dandruff and other inflammatory conditions causing irritation and scaliness. 2. Before you use Cocois Do not use Cocois if: You are allergic to any of the ingredients in Cocois (see section 6) You have any acute infection of the skin You have broken or infected skin You suffer from any form of psoriasis which causes the appearance of blisters filled with pus (acute pustular psoriasis). If the patient is under 6 years old. If any of the above applies to you talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Cocois. Do not smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: Any other medicine, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Cocois Ointment should not be used during pregnancy or if breast-feeding. 3. How to use Cocois Follow these instructions about how to use your medicine. If you are unsure about anything, ask your pharmacist. Remember: Avoid any contact with your eyes and mouth. Cocois may stain clothes and jewellery. Care should be taken to protect or remove these before application. Cocois should only be used under medical supervision in children aged 6-12 years. It is not recommended for use in children under the age of six years. Do not use Cocois if the tube membrane is broken. Instructions for use Pierce the tube membrane by inverting the cap. Attach the scalp applicator to the threaded portion of the tube. Part your hair and apply a thin ribbon of Cocois to the affected areas of your scalp. Take care to avoid contact with your eyes. Gently rub in the ointment and leave in contact with the scalp for approximately one hour. Wash your hands afterwards. After one hour, Cocois should be shampooed out of the hair with warm water. Take care to avoid getting the application in your eyes. Always wash your hands immediately after use. In severe scaly scalp conditions, it is usually necessary to apply Cocois daily for three to seven days until control has been obtained. With mild scaliness, use intermittently as necessary, e.g., once a week. If, after the first week, the condition does not improve, or symptoms persist after four weeks, consult your doctor. If you accidentally get Cocois in your eyes, wash it out immediately with plenty of cold water. If your eyes become irritated, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you use more Cocois than you should If you use more Cocois than you should it is unlikely to lead to any serious side effects. If you accidentally swallow any Cocois, immediately tell your doctor or contact your nearest hospital casualty department. 4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, Cocois can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These include: Irritation of the skin Inflammation of the hair follicles Acne like eruptions Hair loss Discolouration of skin and hair A rash from sensitivity to sunlight. This is rare. If you have asthma or if anyone in your family is allergic to asprin, Cocois may cause difficulty in breathing or tightness in your chest. This is very rare. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5. How to store Cocois Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store between 10°C and 25°C. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. 6. Further information What Cocois contains: The active ingredients are: Coal tar 12%w/w, Salicylic acid 2%w/w and sulphur for external use 4%w/w. The other ingredients are: coconut oil, white soft paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, glycerol, liquid paraffin, polyoxyethylene glycerol monostearate, hard paraffin What Cocois looks like Cocois is a buff coloured ointment. It comes in aluminium tubes with a plastic cap. It is supplied in 5 g, 15 g, 40 g or 100 g tubes. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder RPH Pharmaceuticals AB Lagervägen 7 136 50 Haninge Sweden Manufacturer Bioglan AB PO Box 50310 S-202 13 Malmö Sweden This leaflet was last revised in May 2019. If this leaflet is difficult to read and you would like it in a different format, please contact RPH Pharmaceuticals AB Lagervägen 7 136 50 Haninge Sweden 911379

I couldn’t get on well with Cocois, i found it extremely messy and it seems to go everywhere. If i remember rightly you have to wash it off after using it also. Betnovate is fine and I’ve used it everywhere. I keep Betnovate for areas where I can’t tolerate P and don’t use Betnovate all over. I use it as sparingly as possible. It clears it for me 👍

i too am new to all this. trying to use scalp treatments when you are on your own!!! takes ages and you cannot see anything. I hope that it will get better soon