A new formulation of an occlusive dressing containing betamethasone valerate 0.1% in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis

Abstract Background Betamethasone valerate (BMV) is a medium‐potency corticosteroid commonly used for the treatment of chronic psoriasis. Although occlusion has been shown to enhance the efficacy of BMV treatment, no ready‐to‐use occlusive BMV formulation is currently approved for the market. Methods Forty‐two patients with mild to moderate psoriasis and with symmetrical lesions were treated with BMV 0.1% tape and BMV 0.12% cream for 30 days in a half‐side distribution. Both treatments resulted in a significant clinical improvement. Efficacy and tolerability were evaluated by comparison of pre‐treatment and post‐treatment psoriasis area and severity index and self‐administered psoriasis area and severity index scores, and by comparison of the changes from baseline in clinical appearance and hydration. Results Lesions treated with BMV 0.1% tape showed higher reductions from baseline in the psoriasis area and severity index and the self‐administered psoriasis area and severity index scores (61.7% and 59.3%, respectively), compared with lesions treated with BMV 0.12% cream (39.5% and 34.0%, respectively). No serious local or systemic treatment‐related adverse effects were reported. Conclusions Our results indicate a higher efficacy of BMV 0.1% tape compared with BMV 0.12% cream in the treatment of mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis.