Diprosalic Scalp Application

Diprosalic Scalp Application for Scaly Scalp Conditions

What is Diprosalic scalp application used for?

Diprosalic scalp application is used to treat skin conditions on the scalp that leave the surface covered with a layer of scales. It works on the affected area to lift away that scaling and settle the redness and itching that come with it. It’s applied directly to the scalp as a solution and can be prescribed for both adults and children. It’s prescription-only, available through the NHS or privately. If you need to treat scaly skin elsewhere on the body rather than the scalp, Diprosalic ointment is also available.

How does Diprosalic scalp application work?

1. Diprosalic scalp application contains two active ingredients that work together: Betamethasone dipropionate calms the redness and itching caused by your scalp condition. Like other topical steroids, it’s applied to the surface of the skin.
2. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic that helps soften and remove the top layer of scales, allowing the steroid to reach the skin underneath and help it heal.

Who can use Diprosalic scalp application?

Diprosalic scalp application can be prescribed for adults and children, though children shouldn’t use it for longer than 5 days. It isn’t suitable for everyone. You shouldn’t use it if:

• You’re allergic to betamethasone dipropionate, salicylic acid or any of the other ingredients
• You have another skin problem, such as rosacea, acne, dermatitis around the mouth, genital itching, nappy rash, cold sores or chickenpox, as it could make these worse

If it isn’t suitable, your doctor can go through other treatment options with you. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using it.

How to Use Diprosalic Scalp Application

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. The usual routine is:

1. Apply a few drops of Diprosalic scalp application to the affected area of your scalp twice a day.
2. Gently rub it in until it’s completely absorbed.
3. Use it only on your scalp and keep it away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. Avoid using large amounts over a long period, such as every day for many weeks or months.

Children shouldn’t use it for more than 5 days. If you’re not sure how much to use or how long to continue, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Diprosalic Scalp Application Side Effects

Most people don’t have any problems when Diprosalic is applied to the scalp correctly.

The side effects of Diprosalic scalp application are more likely if you use it more often than you should, and they can happen more easily in infants and children. Possible effects include:

• Thinning of the skin, stinging, blistering, peeling, swelling, itching, burning, skin rash, dryness and red marks
• Inflammation of the skin follicles, excessive hair growth, reduced skin pigmentation and allergic reactions
• Dermatitis, where the skin reacts to outside agents such as detergents and becomes red and itchy
• Blurred vision

Using the scalp application over a long period can also lead to a steroid withdrawal reaction, either during treatment or within days to weeks of stopping. Signs include redness of the skin that can spread beyond the initial treatment area, a burning or stinging sensation, intense itching, peeling and oozing open sores.

If you notice any side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report them via the Yellow Card Scheme.

Diprosalic Scalp Application Ingredients

Active ingredients: betamethasone dipropionate and salicylic acid

Other ingredients: disodium edetate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, isopropyl alcohol and purified water

Warnings and Precautions

• If you have psoriasis, your doctor may want to review your treatment regularly. Contact them if it gets worse or you get raised bumps filled with pus under the skin.
• Contact your doctor if you or your child get blurred vision or other changes to your sight.
• Don’t use this scalp application under bandages or plasters.
• Side effects linked to oral or inhaled corticosteroids can also happen with steroids used on the skin, particularly in infants and children.
• Using more than the correct amount, or using it for longer than recommended, can affect hormone levels, especially in infants and children. In adults, this may rarely cause puffiness or rounding of the face, weakness, tiredness and dizziness when standing or sitting down.
• This product is a serious fire hazard. Don’t smoke or go near naked flames because of the risk of severe burns, as clothing, bedding and dressings that have been in contact with it burn more easily. Washing them reduces the build-up but doesn’t fully remove it.
• If your condition gets worse while you’re using it, speak to your prescriber, as you may have an allergic reaction or infection or need a different treatment.
• If your condition comes back within 2 weeks of stopping, don’t restart without checking with your prescriber first, unless they’ve already told you to.
• Stopping treatment suddenly after prolonged use can leave your scalp red with stinging and burning, so your doctor will usually reduce it gradually.
• If you or someone else accidentally swallows the solution, it shouldn’t cause any problems, but see your doctor if you’re worried.