Description of Dovobet Gel

Dovobet Gel contains Betamethasone Dipropionate, a potent corticosteroid, and Calcipotriene, an active form of vitamin D3. The combination of these medications can help reduce scalp psoriasis and plaque psoriasis on parts of your body when applied as directed.

Scalp psoriasis doesn’t always stay in the scalp area and can extend beyond your forehead to your face and behind the ears. Plaque psoriasis can affect other parts of your body, most commonly your elbows and knees. Psoriasis is believed to be an auto-immune condition, meaning your own immune system mistakenly thinks there is a threat to do harm so it sends certain substances that cause the inflammatory reaction.

How This Corticosteroid and Vitamin D Helps with Psoriasis

Applied topically, Dovobet Gel works two ways. The corticosteroid is absorbed into your skin cells and suppresses your immune response. By doing this, there are less chemicals produced that cause the inflammation process and the redness is reduced. Calcipotriene helps your body in many ways and is an essential part of maintaining healthy skin. Once absorbed, this Vitamin D works to slow the over-production of skin cells. The build-up of these cells is the reason for the raised plaques on your skin which is not shedding the old cells enough to keep up with the new ones forming.

Conditions Treated by Dovobet Gel

Scalp psoriasis produces red, scaly patches that flake and can resemble dandruff, sometimes to the extreme. It can be embarrassing and a big hit to your self-esteem in social gatherings or your workplace. Dovobet Gel is best for hairy areas, such as your scalp, and will reduce the plaques and the flaking so you won’t have to hide or explain what the flakes are. The same effectiveness is produced on the affected skin areas on other parts of your body where plaque psoriasis has developed.

Certain triggers can exacerbate the symptoms of scalp or plaque psoriasis, including weather, stress, some medications, trauma to your skin, alcohol, and smoking. Dovobet Gel is not a cure for psoriasis, but it can help minimize the red, itchy, inflamed plaques when you experience a flare-up. You should not use Dovobet Gel longer than recommended. Scalp treatment is a period of four weeks, and non-scalp areas can be treated for eight weeks. Extended use of any steroid can cause thinning of your skin or make your symptoms worse.

Before You Use Dovobet Gel

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before you apply Dovobet Gel to be certain it is safe for your unborn or nursing baby. Provide your doctor with information about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC and Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements so it can be decided if Dovobet Gel is the right medicine for you.

Proper Use of Dovobet Gel

Do not wear bathing caps or apply dressings to the affected areas after applying Dovobet Gel as it can increase the absorbency of the steroid. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight after treating your skin with Dovobet Gel as your skin may be more sensitive and burn. Do not apply to genitals, infected skin areas, or open sores. Not recommended for those under eighteen years of age.

Possible Side Effects of Dovobet Gel

• Itching
• Stinging
• Dry skin

Drugs Similar to Dovobet Gel

• Diprosone Lotion
• Vectical Ointment
• Clobex Shampoo