Halobetasol Propionate/Tazarotene Lotion for Scalp Psoriasis: Efficacy in Itch Reduction, Disease Clearance, and Hair Appearance

Scalp involvement in plaque psoriasis is accompanied by itching and scaling that reduce quality of life and exacerbate psoriatic-associated hair loss. Challenges for the topical treatment of scalp psoriasis include messy formulations that reduce patient adherence and dermal penetration in hair-bearing areas. This open-label study evaluated the efficacy of fixed-combination halobetasol propionate (0.01%) and tazarotene (0.045%) lotion (HP/TAZ, indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults) in subjects with moderate-to-severe scalp psoriasis. Subjects applied HP/TAZ to the scalp once daily for 12 weeks and were evaluated at 4-week intervals. Endpoints included subject-reported scalp itch, investigator-reported psoriasis scalp severity index (PSSI), and investigator- and subject-reported hair and scalp assessments. From baseline, subjects experienced significant reductions in scalp itch and PSSI by week 12 (-49% and -93%, respectively; P≤0.001). Similarly, ratings for all investigator- and subject-assessed hair and scalp parameters were significantly improved from baseline at week 12 (P≤0.002 for all). No adverse events were reported. HP/TAZ is an efficacious treatment for scalp psoriasis, and reductions in psoriatic disease and itch may reduce scratching, leading to improvements in hair and scalp health.