Scalp Psoriasis · Prescription Shampoo
Etrivex Shampoo: Benefits, How to Use It, and What to Expect
Medically authored & reviewed by
Dr Abdishakur M Ali
General Practitioner · Telehealth Expert · Clinical Director
Last reviewed: March 2026
GPhC Registered Pharmacy
✓ GPhC-registered pharmacy #9011198 · ✓ Pharmacist independent prescribers · ✓ Discreet next-day delivery · ✓ UK-regulated online consultation
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Etrivex is a prescription-only medicine. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions. Our prescribers are GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers.
Scalp psoriasis affects a significant proportion of people with psoriasis, and it can be one of the most frustrating forms to treat — thick plaques, relentless itching, and visible flaking on dark clothing. Etrivex shampoo offers a clinically effective solution that integrates directly into your regular hair care routine, combining the convenience of a shampoo with the therapeutic potency of clobetasol propionate.
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Access Doctor provides Etrivex following a regulated online consultation. GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers. Discreet next-day delivery.
Start Consultation →What Makes Etrivex Different?
Unlike conventional scalp treatments that require separate application steps or leave hair looking greasy, Etrivex is applied like a shampoo — making adherence much easier. Its active ingredient, clobetasol propionate 0.05%, is a very potent corticosteroid that works rapidly to reduce the inflammation, scaling, and itching characteristic of scalp psoriasis.
The 15-minute contact time is designed to allow adequate penetration of clobetasol into the scalp without requiring prolonged exposure. Once rinsed off, hair can be washed and styled normally — no residue, no odour, no change to your normal routine.
Clinical Benefits of Etrivex
- Rapid relief of symptoms — itching and redness typically reduce within 1–2 weeks
- Reduces scaling — clobetasol suppresses the accelerated skin cell turnover driving psoriatic plaques
- Convenient format — no need for separate scalp applications or greasy ointments
- Evidence-based — clobetasol propionate is the most studied topical corticosteroid in scalp psoriasis
- Suitable for moderate scalp psoriasis — where milder treatments (zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole) have been insufficient
Step-by-Step: How to Use Etrivex Correctly
1
Part your hair: Part and separate hair to expose affected scalp areas. Ensure the scalp is dry before application.
2
Apply the shampoo: Apply approximately 7.5ml (around 1.5 teaspoons) directly to the dry scalp, massaging gently over all affected areas. Do not use more than prescribed.
3
Wash your hands: Wash hands thoroughly immediately after application to avoid transfer to eyes or other sensitive areas.
4
Leave on for 15 minutes: Do not cover the scalp with a shower cap or any material during this period. Allow the medication to work without occlusion.
5
Rinse thoroughly: After 15 minutes, rinse the shampoo off completely with water. You may follow with your regular shampoo if desired.
6
Frequency: Once daily for a maximum of 4 weeks without clinical review.
Important safety reminders: Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, and broken skin. Do not use for more than 4 weeks without a clinical review. Do not use on children under 2 years of age. Seek urgent review if symptoms worsen significantly or you develop pustular lesions.
Who Should Not Use Etrivex?
Etrivex is not appropriate for everyone. It should not be used if you have:
- A known allergy to clobetasol propionate or any other ingredient
- Active skin infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic) on the scalp
- Open sores or ulcerative wounds on the scalp
- Rosacea, acne, or perioral dermatitis
Children under 2 years of age should not use Etrivex. Older children and adolescents require close monitoring under medical supervision. Discuss use during pregnancy or breastfeeding with your prescriber.
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Complete a short online consultation and our GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers will review your suitability for Etrivex shampoo. Discreet delivery.
Order Etrivex →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Etrivex shampoo?
Etrivex is a prescription-only medicated shampoo containing clobetasol propionate 0.05% — a potent corticosteroid specifically formulated for the scalp. It is licensed for treating moderate scalp psoriasis in adults.
How do I use Etrivex shampoo?
Apply approximately 7.5ml to the dry scalp, covering all affected areas. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Do not cover the scalp during this period. Apply once daily for up to 4 weeks without clinical review.
How quickly does Etrivex work?
Many people see a noticeable reduction in scaling and itching within 2 weeks of once-daily use. Significant improvement in most cases occurs within 4 weeks.
Can I use Etrivex with other hair products?
You can wash and style your hair normally after rinsing off Etrivex. Do not apply additional clobetasol-containing products at the same time. Allow the shampoo to work for the full 15 minutes before rinsing.
Is Etrivex shampoo safe for long-term use?
Etrivex should not be used for more than 4 weeks without medical review. Prolonged use of potent corticosteroids carries risks including skin thinning and adrenal suppression. Your prescriber will advise on appropriate maintenance after initial treatment.
References
- NICE. Psoriasis: management (NG96). Updated 2022. nice.org.uk
- BAD. British guidelines on biologic therapy and topical treatment in psoriasis. bad.org.uk
- NHS. Psoriasis — Treatment. nhs.uk
- GPhC. Standards for registered pharmacies. pharmacyregulation.org
Access Doctor is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy (registration number 9011198). All prescriptions are issued by GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers. Medicines supplied are MHRA-compliant UK-licensed products.


