Daivobet 50/500 gel is the first combination treatment for patients with scalp psoriasis that is approved by Australian doctors and was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The gel is a combination of two proven treatments to make it more convenient for people who are suffering from psoriasis.

“Combining a corticosteroid and a vitamin D analogue in the one gel provides an effective alternative to using either active ingredient alone and is convenient for the patients’ use.” says Dr Catherine Faulkner, a physician from Royal Brisbane Hospital.

According to a recent research, calcipotriol (a vitamin D analogue) and betamethasone dipropionate (a corticosteroid) were already combined by different doctors in order to treat psoriasis. However, it was expensive and difficult to manage. Separate products have to be used in different times of the day and not everyone follows directions as ordered.

Even there are thousands of medications created for different types of diseases, treatment options for scalp psoriasis are still limited. In fact, Diavobet is the first approved scalp psoriasis gel in more than 10 years. The release and production of this medication is indeed very helpful for thousands of Australians living with this skin condition.

Australia and Psoriasis

Almost 500,000 Australians are suffering from Psoriasis according to a recent study. And about 80% of this population has scalp symptoms. In fact, scalp is among the first spots where symptoms usually appear.

Scalp psoriasis can shed skin cells on the head seven times faster than normal. Aside from shedding too much, psoriasis is also associated with scaling and flakiness. These symptoms do not only affect the patient’s physical health but can also be psychologically and socially distressing.

“Psoriasis on the scalp can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. People can become depressed and socially excluded. They avoid using styling products and may cover their hair with a hat or head band to stop people staring at them.” says Helen McNair, the President of Psoriasis Australia.

“Psoriasis affects many young people in their late teens, 20s and 30s when physical appearance is paramount, and people need a treatment they can use easily that will control their symptoms.” McNair added.

Psoriasis highly affects the patient’s social life. Studies have shown that 60% of people with psoriasis avoid sun bathing, 40 % avoid playing sports, 72% do not swim, and 12% don’t want to go out of their house anymore. In general, these patients do not have enough physical activities which make them at risk for some health conditions like hypertension and obesity.

Daivobet 50/500 gel was released in September 2011 to help people with psoriasis vulgaris on the scalp. People should apply this topical gel only if they are not using any other topical drugs to avoid complications.

Though this gel is a perfect solution against psoriasis, it can also cause different side effects like rash on face and body, skin irritation, skin discoloration, and photosensitivity.