What is Calcipotriene + Betamethasone?
Calcipotriene + Betamethasone is a topical ointment that can help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. It contains two ingredients which, when combined, can treat redness, flakiness and itchiness by easing inflammation and slowing down the rate your skin cells multiply.
You can apply it daily to any areas of your body affected by psoriasis. The most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, usually appears on your elbows, knees and scalp, but different kinds of psoriasis can affect other areas, such as under your arm and groin. Psoriasis flare-ups can occur as a reaction to chemicals or other irritants, but sometimes the condition is genetic and symptoms can come and go sporadically.[1]
How does Calcipotriene + Betamethasone work?
The two ingredients in Calcipotriene + Betamethasone work differently to treat psoriasis.
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid, which helps to calm your body’s immune response while also reducing inflammation.
Calcipotriene can also ease inflammation, but it mainly works by slowing skin cell turnover. Psoriasis speeds up this process drastically, and as a result, causes skin cells to build into thick, raised plaques. These affected areas can then cause symptoms like dryness, redness and itchiness.[2]
What doses of Calcipotriene + Betamethasone are there?
Calcipotriene + Betamethasone is available as a 0.005% / 0.064% ointment.
You typically apply the ointment to affected areas once a day, but your doctor will give you specific instructions based on your symptoms.
Treated trusted source:
- Publishing, H.H. (2018). A deeper look at psoriasis. Harvard Health.
- NIH (2023). Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
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