Clarifying My Psoriasis Medication Prescriptions
Hello doctors,
I’m a 35-year-old female, and for about three years, I’ve suspected I suffer from psoriasis. Initially, I noticed mild patches on my upper back, accompanied by flaking skin and rapid skin shedding on my ears, along with some issues on my face. Additionally, I’ve dealt with scalp problems that could either be psoriasis or dandruff, which have fluctuated since childhood but have intensified over the past five years. Within the last year, I’ve also observed a few small patches developing in other areas, including my lower back, elbows, legs, feet, and stomach.
Recently, I consulted a dermatologist who confirmed my suspicion of psoriasis and identified the scalp condition as psoriasis as well. He mentioned prescribing two medications, contemplating a third briefly, but ultimately settled on two: one being a medicated shampoo (Ketoconazole) and the other Clobetasol. He indicated that Clobetasol would likely be in a cream, ointment, or gel form for my body, while the shampoo would target the scalp issues.
The following day, I picked up my prescriptions. I received the shampoo as expected, but the Clobetasol was a liquid formulation meant for scalp application. The attached prescription information instructs me to apply it solely to the body and scalp (the doctor advised against using it on my face) and it mentions using it with Calcipotriene solution, which was neither prescribed nor discussed with me.
This has left me a bit puzzled. Is it possible that there was a mistake and the doctor intended to prescribe Clobetasol in a different form? Can I use the liquid version for the patches on my body without the Calcipotriene solution? I’ve tried applying it to a couple of patches, but since it’s a liquid, application is somewhat tricky, and I’ve heard it’s not advisable to apply it on unaffected areas due to concerns about skin thinning. I did attempt to reach out to the doctor's office on Friday after picking up the prescriptions, but I found out that they are closed on Fridays and over the weekend.
Thank you for your assistance!
PsoriasisDry SkinDermatology