What is Diprosalic?
Diprosalic ointment is used to treat inflamed skin caused by plaque psoriasis. Because it comes as an ointment, it’s thicker and more moisturising than a cream or gel. It contains a strong steroid (betamethasone) and salicylic acid. Betamethasone helps to reduce the inflammation and salicylic acid helps the skin to absorb the treatment by softening the top layer of the psoriasis flare-up.
What is Diprosalic used for?
Diprosalic is used to treat plaque psoriasis flare-ups on the torso or limbs. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition where the body produces skin cells too quickly. This can cause scaly, red dry patches of skin to appear which can sometimes be itchy or sore. On all skin tones the patches may appear pink or red with white or silvery scales. On brown or black skin, the patches can also appear purple or dark brown, and the scales may look grey. Although there’s no cure for psoriasis, the symptoms can be managed.
Plaque psoriasis commonly affects the scalp, knees, elbows, shins and torso. Diprosalic is suitable for use on scaly, thickened plaques on the limbs and torso, but because it contains a strong steroid, Diprosalic is not suitable for use on the face or other delicate areas such as the groin or armpits.
To find out more about psoriasis, visit the Boots Health Hub.
How does Diprosalic work?
Diprosalic ointment contains a strong steroid (betamethasone) to reduce the inflammation, scaly skin and irritation caused by psoriasis. It also contains salicylic acid which softens the top layer of scales on the surface of the skin, helping the steroid to be absorbed more easily. Together they reduce the redness, itching and thickened skin caused by plaque psoriasis.
To find out more about how our psoriasis treatments work, take a look at our Psoriasis Treatment service important information page.
How to use Diprosalic?
Diprosalic ointment can be applied to the affected areas up to twice a day but it should always be used as directed by your healthcare professional. To use, first wash your hands then rub the ointment in over the affected area. Make sure you wash your hands again after applying. Once the ointment has had a chance to absorb, cover the affected area with a generous amount of unfragranced emollient or moisturiser. Ideally, you should try to apply moisturiser 3-4 times a day throughout the day in addition to the Diprosalic
Do not use Diprosalic on your face, groin or genitals, or under your arms, and don’t wrap or tightly cover treated areas. Avoid applying the ointment to broken skin.
Once you see your skin has started to improve, you should gradually reduce the amount and number of times you’re using the ointment. You should not use this treatment for more than 4 weeks without speaking to your GP or healthcare provider.
Do not use Diprosalic ointment:
- on the face, genital skin, or skin folds such as the groins and underarms (please check with us if you’re not sure).
- if you have an allergy to betamethasone dipropionate, salicylic acid or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
- on other types of skin problems, especially rosacea or acne.
- on infected areas of skin.
For more information on how to use Diprosalic, please see the Patient Information Leaflet.
Diprosalic dosage
How much Diprosalic you need depends on the size of the area you need to treat. As a general guide, one fingertip of ointment is enough to treat an area the size of two adult hand prints, so you may need to use more than one fingertip’s worth of ointment. Please remember that Diprosalic is only for short-term use to treat psoriasis flare-ups.
Is it effective?
Unfortunately there is no cure for psoriasis, but if you’ve been diagnosed with plaque psoriasis, Diprosalic can help. When used as prescribed, Diprosalic can help to bring psoriasis flare-ups under control. Most people will see an improvement in their skin within two weeks.
It can take time to improve the appearance of your skin, but you should notice improvement within 14 days of using Diprosalic. If you don’t see any improvement after two weeks, you should contact us through your patient record or see your GP for advice.
What are the main side effects of Diprosalic?
Like all medicines, Diprosalic can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most people also find that, when the ointment is used as directed, any side effects should lessen over time as your skin gets used to the treatment.
The most common side effect of Diprosalic is itchy skin or a burning sensation when first applied. You can help manage any side effects by making sure to apply an unfragranced moisturiser several times a day to the affected skin. This will also help to improve your skin’s overall health and help you to manage future flare ups.
If you use the ointment more often or for longer than is recommended, it can cause your skin to become thin and fragile, and may result in skin symptoms such as thread veins, excess hair growth, skin infections, stretch marks, or an acne-like rash.
If topical steroids are applied for too long, this can result in rebound flares when the treatment is stopped (topical steroid withdrawal syndrome). For this reason, Diprosalic should not be applied for longer than 4 weeks without a medical review.
Overuse of topical steroid medicines can also upset your hormone system.
For a complete list of side effects, please take a look at the Patient Information Leaflet for Diprosalic:
What else should I know about Diprosalic?
If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your GP or healthcare provider for advice before using Diprosalic.
Psoriasis can also be made worse by certain medicines which is why it’s important that you let us know of any other treatments or supplements that you’re taking.
People with psoriasis are also at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease or joint problems. Make sure to stay in regular contact with your GP or healthcare provider so they can discuss these risk factors and how you can reduce your risk. They can also help to monitor your condition.
Some of the ingredients in Diprosalic are flammable. Avoid smoking and keep away from open flames as there is a risk of severe burns. Clothing and bedding that has come into contact with Diprosalic are also at risk of catching fire more easily.
What are alternative psoriasis treatments?
If you decide that Diprosalic isn’t for you there are other treatments for plaque psoriasis you can try. These include similar or weaker steroid creams, to help manage flare-ups.
For a full list of the psoriasis treatments we offer, take a look at our Psoriasis Treatment service page.
What are the non-drug alternatives to Diprosalic?
Although psoriasis is a long-term condition, there are things that you can do to help manage your symptoms and encourage your skin to heal.
The most important things that you can do to help yourself include:
- using a fragrance-free moisturiser or emollient several times a day which helps your skin to feel more comfortable and helps it to heal
- identifying and avoiding any triggers for flare-ups. These can include environmental triggers, alcohol or stress. Psoriasis flare-ups can also be triggered by certain medicines so it’s important you tell us which other medicines you’re taking – whether they’re prescriptions, supplements or medicines you’ve bought without a prescription
- not smoking. Smoking has been shown to make psoriasis symptoms worse. If you need help to quit smoking, take a look at our Stop Smoking Treatment service
- avoiding scratching or itching as these can make your symptoms worse
Psoriasis can sometimes have an impact on your mental health. Please seek help if you're feeling low or you need support.
Is Diprosalic available without a prescription?
Like most strong steroid treatments, Diprosalic is only available with a prescription. However, you can buy weaker steroids such as Eumovate over the counter and unfragranced emollients and moisturisers to help you manage the condition.
You can also take a look at our other psoriasis treatment services here: Boots Online Doctor Psoriasis treatment service
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a life-long condition and can run in families. It can be triggered by changes in the environment, injury or illness. Psoriasis can also become worse in the winter or when you’re stressed. In women, psoriasis can also be affected by pregnancy and get worse after pregnancy.
For more information on psoriasis, take a look at the Boots Health Hub: Understanding psoriasis
What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?
It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between psoriasis and eczema. Both conditions can cause dry, itchy and inflamed skin. However, with psoriasis the skin is often more inflamed, the dry skin forms scales, and the patches of affected skin are thicker with more well-defined borders.
To find out more about the difference between psoriasis and eczema, click here:
If you have a skin concern and you’re still not sure what it is, you can take a look at our SmartSkin Checker to get a better idea of what it might be:
