Scalp atopic dermatitis

For atopic dermatitis of the scalp in an adult, use:

1betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% lotion topically, once daily until skin is clear1 betamethasone dipropionate betamethasone dipropionate betamethasone dipropionate

OR

1methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1% lotion topically, once daily until skin is clear methylprednisolone aceponate methylprednisolone aceponate methylprednisolone aceponate

OR

1mometasone furoate 0.1% lotion or hydrogel topically, once daily until skin is clear. mometasone furoate mometasone furoate mometasone furoate

Children often do not tolerate alcohol-based lotions (eg betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%, mometasone furoate 0.1%) on the scalp because they can sting. To minimise stinging when treating atopic dermatitis of the scalp in children, use alcohol-free lotions (eg desonide 0.05%, methylprednisolone aceponate 0.1%).

For mild atopic dermatitis of the scalp in a child, use:

desonide 0.05% lotion topically, once or twice daily until skin is clear. desonide

For moderate atopic dermatitis of the scalp in a child, use:

methylprednisolone aceponate (child 4 months or older) 0.1% lotion topically, once daily until skin is clear. methylprednisolone aceponate

For severe atopic dermatitis of the scalp in a child, trial mometasone furoate, even though this formulation is alcohol based. Use:

mometasone furoate 0.1% hydrogel topically, once daily until skin is clear. mometasone furoate

If the atopic dermatitis does not respond to therapy, see Lack of response to treatment of dermatitis.

1 At the time of writing, the lotion formulation of this drug is not available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for this indication. See the PBS website for current information.Return