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Many popular dermatoses are chronic diseases in which exacerbation of symptoms is intertwined with periods of remission. This is the case, for example, with atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema and psoriasis, which require different types of care during both phases of the disease. When there are no aggravated symptoms, it is simply necessary to use appropriate emollient dermocosmetics, ensuring an adequate level of hydration, which prevents excessive keratosis and peeling of the epidermis. In the period of skin deterioration, however, it is necessary to reach for medicinal preparations that eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Betamethasone, an active ingredient of Diprosalic, produced by MSD Polska (part of the Merck & Co. pharmaceutical concern), is highly effective in dealing with even severe forms of psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
Diprosalic combines betamethasone dipropionate with salicylic acid, which paves the active ingredient deep into the skin. The composition of the drug allows its use also in the case of more severe forms of contact eczema and pimple eczema, scabies and lichen planus. Betamethasone is also used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases, connective tissue diseases, and even respiratory disorders. This substance is an organic glucocorticosteroid with an anti-inflammatory effect. It has the ability to reduce edema, which is used in the treatment of brain edema and allergies, it does not affect the retention of water or excess sodium inside the body. Anemia is also treated with betamethasone. In the composition of the drug Diprosalic, the function of betamethasone is primarily to reduce inflammation, which allows its high reactivity in this area. Thanks to the exfoliating salicylic acid content, the anti-inflammatory glucocorticosteroid has a chance to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, achieving full functionality there thanks to the optimal concentration.
Diprosalic – availability, use and warnings
Diprosalic can be obtained with a prescription. Although you can buy it only with a prescription, we will pay the full price in each pharmacy, because regardless of the disease, unfortunately, it is not a drug reimbursed by the National Health Fund. On the pharmaceutical market, there are two forms of the drug with different purposes: a liquid for use on the hairy skin and an ointment that is used on skin not covered with thick hair.
Both the ointment and the liquid are dosed similarly, covering the affected areas twice a day with a small amount of Diprosalic. Sometimes treatment is limited to less frequent use, always in consultation with the attending physician, who adjusts pharmacotherapy to the individual needs of the patient. This is particularly important in the case of treatment using corticosteroids, because it is beneficial for the patient to select the lowest possible dose that will produce the optimal therapeutic effect. Treatment with Diprosalic may be continued for up to two weeks continuously. After that, it is necessary to change the drug or stop taking drugs.
Please note that Diprosalic is not suitable for use in children under 12 years of age. It is also not recommended to use it during pregnancy and breastfeeding – if you need treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will make the final decision after considering the therapeutic benefits and the risk of using it. Diprosalic does not affect the ability to operate vehicles or machines.
If, while using the drug in accordance with the doctor’s instructions, you notice allergic symptoms, skin dryness and inflammation, the therapy should be discontinued immediately and a dermatologist should be consulted. If infections do occur, appropriate treatment is given, after which it is safe to continue using Diprosalic.
Diprosalic and systemic side effects of corticosteroids
Pharmacotherapy involving corticosteroids, which also includes betamethasone, which is the active ingredient of Diprosalic, exposes the patient to a number of possible side effects, not only at the site of application of the drug to the skin, but systemically occurring. To minimize the risk of their occurrence, the drug is administered in the smallest possible amount, avoiding its application to large areas of the skin and damaged epidermis (including wounds). The aim is also to minimize the duration of the therapy. As a high concentration of corticosteroid is undesirable and may be dangerous, Diprosalic must not be used in an occlusive dressing that increases the absorption of the preparation.
Particular precautions should be taken in patients with psoriasis (risk of exacerbation of symptoms and development of tolerance) and children whose weight to body surface ratio is different than in adults (which makes it easier to find the most dangerous side effect of corticosteroids – adrenal suppression). Corticosteroids can also cause malformations in children. For a detailed list of side effects, see the package leaflet of Diprosalic.