Psoriderm Scalp Lotion Shampoo
From £8.99
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If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999.
Looking for scalp psoriasis treatment online? Explore lotions, shampoos and gels available through Access Doctor. Complete a confidential online consultation, and a GPhC-registered pharmacist prescriber will assess whether treatment is suitable for you, without the need to wait for a GP appointment.
Your symptoms, what you’ve tried and your health history.
We check your answers and confirm what’s safe to supply.
Dispatched from our UK pharmacy by Royal Mail Tracked or Special Delivery.
We offer topical treatments for scalp psoriasis, including steroid scalp applications, medicated shampoos and gels. Prescription treatments, including Etrivex, Dovobet and Dermovate Scalp, are available to adults with a previous diagnosis of scalp psoriasis, subject to a prescriber’s assessment. Coal tar products may be available from pharmacies or for general sale, depending on the product.
Read the information below to help you understand the available treatments and choose the option most relevant to your needs.
| Medicine | Type | Active ingredient | How to use it | Good to know | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betacap Scalp Application 0.1% | Potent steroid (prescription) | Betamethasone valerate | A few drops rubbed into the scalp, usually once a day, as your prescriber directs | NICE first-line step; course of up to 4 weeks, then review | £12.99 |
| Betnovate Scalp Application 0.1% | Potent steroid (prescription) | Betamethasone valerate | A small amount on the scalp, usually once a day, as your prescriber directs | NICE first-line step; course of up to 4 weeks, then review | £18.99 |
| Elocon Scalp Lotion 0.1% | Potent steroid (prescription) | Mometasone furoate | A few drops on the scalp once a day | Potent steroid; course of up to 4 weeks, then review | £19.99 |
| Etrivex Shampoo | Very potent steroid (prescription) | Clobetasol propionate 0.05% | Once a day on a dry scalp, left on for 15 minutes, then rinsed | Adults only; for moderate scalp psoriasis; no more than 4 weeks at a time; needs a diagnosis | £24.99 |
| Dovobet Gel | Vitamin D analogue with steroid (prescription) | Calcipotriol and betamethasone | Once a day on the scalp | Adults only; up to 4 weeks for the scalp; can turn white or grey hair yellow; needs a diagnosis | £69.99 |
| Dermovate Scalp Application 0.05% | Very potent steroid (prescription) | Clobetasol propionate | A small amount on the scalp, as your prescriber directs | Adults only; short courses, when potent steroids haven’t worked; needs a previous prescription | £16.99 |
| Cocois Ointment | Coal tar (general sale) | Coal tar, salicylic acid and sulphur | Rubbed into the scalp and washed out, as the leaflet directs | Softens thick scale; can stain and increase sun sensitivity | £17.99 |
| Psoriderm Scalp Lotion Shampoo | Coal tar shampoo (pharmacy medicine) | Coal tar | Used as a shampoo, as the leaflet directs | Can stain hair and clothing; coal tar alone isn’t advised for severe scalp psoriasis | £8.99 |
Not sure which treatment suits your scalp? Your prescriber will check your answers and what you’ve already tried.
Scalp psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that causes raised, red or pink patches covered in thick, silvery-white scale. It’s usually plaque psoriasis, the most common type, affecting the scalp. It is driven by the immune system, so it needs different treatment from simple flaking or a dry scalp. Most treatment is topical, meaning it’s applied straight to the scalp: steroid (corticosteroid) scalp lotions and applications, medicated shampoos and gels. Treatment aims to clear the patches, ease the itch and soreness, and keep flares under control.
UK guidance (NICE) sets out a stepped approach for adults. It starts with a potent steroid scalp application once a day for up to 4 weeks. If that isn’t enough, the next steps are a different form of the steroid (such as a shampoo or mousse) and treatments to soften and lift the scale first, then a combined calcipotriol and betamethasone gel once a day for up to 4 weeks. If treatment still hasn’t worked after about 8 weeks, NICE suggests a very potent steroid for a short course, coal tar, or referral to a specialist.
We supply Betnovate Scalp and Betacap (betamethasone scalp applications), Elocon (mometasone scalp lotion), Dermovate (clobetasol scalp application), Etrivex clobetasol propionate shampoo, Dovobet gel, and coal tar products Psoriderm and Cocois. Steroid and Dovobet courses are short and reviewed, because using them for too long or on too much skin can cause side effects.
Our online service is for adults. Etrivex and Dovobet gel are only supplied if a doctor has diagnosed your scalp psoriasis, and Dermovate Scalp only if it’s been prescribed for you before. For Betacap, Betnovate Scalp and Elocon, your prescriber assesses your symptoms in the consultation. If your scalp is simply flaking without raised, well-defined patches, see our dandruff treatments instead. For psoriasis on your elbows, knees or body, see our psoriasis treatments. For what causes scalp psoriasis and what sets off flares, read scalp psoriasis: symptoms and causes.
Scalp psoriasis can cause raised, well-defined patches covered with thick scales. A healthcare professional should confirm the diagnosis by direct visualisation and or examination as other scalp conditions can have similar symptoms.
DadRaised, well-defined patches that may look pink or red on lighter skin, or darker, greyish or purple on brown and black skin. Thick, silvery-white scales that can cling to the hair. Patches extending beyond the hairline, sometimes affecting the forehead, ears or neck. Itching, soreness or tightness, often occurring in flares. Psoriasis elsewhere on the body, such as the elbows, knees or nails, or a family history of psoriasis.
Scalp Psoriasis GuideUsually causes thick, silvery-white scales over raised, well-defined patches. These may extend beyond the hairline. Treatment options include steroid scalp applications, calcipotriol with betamethasone (such as Dovobet, where appropriate) and coal tar preparations. Dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis Dandruff typically causes loose flakes, while seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause greasy, yellowish scales and redness. It may also affect the eyebrows and sides of the nose. Treatment may include antifungal shampoos, such as ketoconazole, or a topical steroid for inflammation when appropriate.
Dandruff TreatmentsBased on NICE guidance for adults. Your prescriber decides where you are on these steps, using what you’ve already tried.
The usual starting point: a topical corticosteroid used once a day for up to 4 weeks. Examples we supply: Betnovate Scalp, Betacap and Elocon.
BetacapIf the first step hasn’t worked after 4 weeks, NICE suggests a different form of the steroid, such as a shampoo, and products that loosen thick scale (for example salicylic acid, emollients or oils) before applying it.
A combined gel used once a day for up to 4 weeks if the steps above aren’t enough.
Dovobet gelAn option when steroids haven’t worked. NICE advises against coal tar shampoo alone for severe scalp psoriasis. Examples: Cocois and Psoriderm.
PsoridermA short course of a very potent steroid (NICE: up to twice a day for 2 weeks) is for adults only, and a dermatologist can offer further options. Examples we supply: Etrivex shampoo and Dermovate Scalp Application.
Etrivex ShampooPlease see your GP, rather than order online, if any of these apply:
Short, well-timed courses work best, and most side effects come from using a treatment too long or on too much skin.
Keep to the course your prescriber and the leaflet give you. NICE advises that very potent steroids shouldn’t be used continuously for longer than 4 weeks and potent steroids for longer than 8 weeks, and it suggests a break of about 4 weeks between courses. Using steroids for too long, or on large areas, can thin the skin and, rarely, affect your body’s own steroid hormones (adrenal suppression). If you’ve been using a steroid for a while, don’t stop suddenly without asking, because psoriasis can flare back.
Keep steroid and Dovobet products away from your eyes, face and skin folds, and wash your hands after using them. If your vision becomes blurred, see a doctor. With Dovobet, limit strong sun while you’re using it, and be aware it can turn white or grey hair slightly yellow. Coal tar products can stain hair, skin and clothing and can make you more sensitive to the sun.
Tell your prescriber about everything you use on your scalp and body. Report any side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).
Access Doctor is a private service. Steroid scalp applications, Etrivex and Dovobet are prescription-only medicines, and a prescriber reviews your answers before anything is supplied.
Your consultation is confidential. We share it with your GP because scalp psoriasis can need ongoing care and review, and your GP should know what you’re using. Your GP practice can prescribe scalp psoriasis treatment on the NHS and can refer you to a dermatologist if treatment isn’t working.
NHS prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England a prescription charge applies unless you’re exempt, and a prepayment certificate can save money if you need several items. Psoriasis UK (psoriasisuk.org.uk, helpline 01604 251620) offers support and information.
How to tell scalp psoriasis from dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dry scalp, scalp eczema and a fungal infection, and why the right diagnosis matters for treatment.
Read guideCoal tar, steroid and medicated shampoos for scalp psoriasis compared: what each does, how to use it, what's on prescription, and when a shampoo isn't enough.
Read guideHow the clobetasol shampoo is used and who it’s for.
Read guideThe combined calcipotriol and betamethasone gel explained.
Read guideUsing a potent steroid scalp application safely.
Read guideHow to soften and remove psoriasis scale safely at home, which oils and descaling products help, what the evidence says about natural remedies, and when you need treatment.
Read guideWhy scalp psoriasis can cause hair loss, whether it grows back, whether steroid scalp lotions cause it, other causes to rule out, and how to protect your hair
Read guideHow the UK's steroid scalp applications compare on strength, ingredients and use, Betacap vs Betnovate Scalp, how to apply them, how long to use them, and the alternatives.
Read guideWhat scalp psoriasis looks like, the early signs, why it itches, what causes and triggers it, how it differs from dandruff, and when to see a GP.
Read guideAnswers about ordering scalp psoriasis treatment online, and using it safely.
There isn’t one best treatment for everyone. NICE recommends starting with a potent steroid scalp application once a day for up to 4 weeks. If that isn’t enough, the next steps are a different form of the steroid and treatments to soften the scale, then a combined calcipotriol and betamethasone gel. Coal tar, a short course of a very potent steroid, or specialist care come after that. See the steps in the section above, or our treatment options guide.
Yes, if you’re an adult. For Betacap, Betnovate Scalp and Elocon, a pharmacist prescriber assesses your symptoms in the consultation. Etrivex and Dovobet gel are only supplied if a doctor has diagnosed your scalp psoriasis, and Dermovate Scalp only if it’s been prescribed for you before. If it’s safe, we supply your treatment and let your GP know.
For most of the effective treatments, yes. Steroid scalp applications such as Betnovate Scalp, Betacap and Elocon, Etrivex shampoo and Dovobet gel are prescription-only. Coal tar products are available without one, and our pharmacists check your answers before supply.
Etrivex shampoo contains clobetasol, a very potent steroid, and is licensed for moderate scalp psoriasis in adults. It’s used once a day, left on for 15 minutes and rinsed, for no more than 4 weeks at a time. Stronger doesn’t always mean better. NICE puts very potent steroids after the first steps, only for adults, and for short courses, because they carry a higher risk of side effects.
It varies. NICE builds in a review after 4 weeks of a first treatment, and if there’s no improvement by then, the next step or a different diagnosis should be considered. Etrivex’s product information says the same. If your scalp hasn’t improved after 4 weeks, see your GP.
For no longer than the course you’re given. NICE advises that very potent steroids shouldn’t be used continuously for longer than 4 weeks, and potent steroids for longer than 8 weeks, with a break of about 4 weeks between courses. Longer use raises the risk of side effects such as thinning of the skin. Repeat courses for flare-ups should be reviewed by a doctor.
Dovobet gel combines calcipotriol, a vitamin D analogue, with the steroid betamethasone. It’s used once a day on the scalp for scalp psoriasis, for 4 weeks at a time in adults. Keep it off your face and eyes, wash your hands after using it, and limit strong sun. It can turn white or grey hair slightly yellow. It’s not suitable if you have a problem with calcium levels. See our Dovobet gel guide.
For mild scalp psoriasis, coal tar can help loosen scale and ease itching. NICE advises against coal tar shampoo alone for severe scalp psoriasis, and coal tar usually comes after steroids in the stepped approach. It can stain hair and clothing and can make your skin more sensitive to sun.
Psoriasis is a long-term condition that tends to flare and settle. Treatment aims to control the patches and keep flares short, rather than remove the condition for good. If your scalp keeps flaring, ask your GP about your longer-term options.
? You can complete the consultation, and the prescriber will ask about your symptoms. If it doesn’t sound like psoriasis, or it’s new and painful, weeping or spreading, they’ll advise you to see your GP. Etrivex and Dovobet gel need a doctor’s diagnosis first. If your scalp is flaking but you don’t have raised, well-defined patches, our dandruff treatments may be more relevant.
Not through our service: we supply adults 18 and over only, including the coal tar products Cocois and Psoriderm. NICE advises that children and young people with psoriasis should be referred to a specialist, and very potent steroids aren’t for children. Etrivex isn’t recommended under 18, and Dovobet’s safety under 18 hasn’t been established. Please speak to your GP.
Not through our service. We don’t supply scalp psoriasis treatments online if you’re pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding, so please speak to your GP or midwife. The product information for Etrivex and Dovobet says they should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed, and that Etrivex shouldn’t be prescribed while breastfeeding unless clearly indicated.
It depends on how severe it is. For mild scalp psoriasis, a coal tar shampoo can loosen scale and ease itching; some are sold without a prescription, and Psoriderm is the one we supply. For moderate scalp psoriasis in adults, Etrivex is a prescription shampoo containing a very potent steroid, used for no more than 4 weeks at a time. Ordinary and anti-dandruff shampoos don’t treat psoriasis on their own.
Not on its own. Antifungal shampoos such as ketoconazole treat the yeast linked to dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis, but scalp psoriasis is driven by the immune system. It usually needs a steroid scalp treatment, Dovobet gel or coal tar. If your scalp is flaking without thick, well-defined patches, see our dandruff treatments.
Creams and ointments are hard to use through hair, which is why scalp lotions, shampoos and gels are made for the scalp. Don’t use a steroid on a new area without checking with a prescriber. For psoriasis on your body, see our psoriasis treatments.
It can, but it’s usually temporary. Scratching, picking and removing thick scale can pull hairs out, and the hair normally grows back once the scalp settles with treatment. Scalp psoriasis rarely causes permanent hair loss. See your GP if you have bald patches that don’t regrow, or scarring on your scalp.
Topical treatments are applied straight to the scalp, and they’re the usual first treatment for scalp psoriasis. They include topical corticosteroids (steroid scalp lotions and applications such as Betacap, Betnovate Scalp and Elocon), steroid shampoos such as Etrivex, Dovobet gel (calcipotriol with betamethasone), and coal tar. If topical treatments don’t control it, your GP can refer you to a dermatologist for other options, such as light therapy or tablets.
For most adults, NICE recommends starting with a potent steroid scalp lotion or application once a day for up to 4 weeks, such as Betacap, Betnovate Scalp or Elocon. They’re leave-in treatments: you rub a few drops into the patches and don’t wash them out. Very potent steroids such as Dermovate Scalp are kept for when potent ones haven’t worked. The best one for you depends on what you’ve used before, which your prescriber checks.
Yes. Enstilar is a foam containing calcipotriol and betamethasone, licensed for psoriasis in adults, and it can be used on the scalp. We supply it on our psoriasis treatments page for adults whose psoriasis a doctor has diagnosed. Like Dovobet gel, it’s used once a day, in short courses.
Some milder treatments, yes: coal tar shampoos and ointments such as Psoriderm and Cocois are pharmacy or general sale medicines. The treatments NICE recommends first, steroid scalp applications, are prescription-only, as are Etrivex and Dovobet gel. You can get them online after a consultation with one of our pharmacist prescribers, or from your GP.
You can order up to 3 bottles of Betacap, or 1 bottle of Etrivex or 1 pack of Dovobet gel, at a time. Steroid courses are short and reviewed, so your prescriber checks how your scalp has responded before supplying the next one.
Helpful reads related to this treatment area.
Complete a short online consultation. A UK prescriber will check it’s safe to supply, and we’ll let your GP know.
