Table 4. Appropriate topical treatments for psoriasis by site and expected time to treatment outcome

Site of psoriasis	Treatment^a	Expected time frame to outcome
Body	Vitamin D analogues (dose should not exceed 5 mg per week)^30,31 Combination vitamin D analogue and corticosteroid Potent or super-potent corticosteroids (short-term use only) Salicylic acid plus corticosteroid	2–4 weeks
Hands and feet	Potent or super-potent corticosteroids (short-term use only) Combination vitamin D analogue and corticosteroid Salicylic acid plus corticosteroid Occlusion overnight at start of treatment (plastic glove or sock) Propylene glycol plus corticosteroid^b	4 weeks
Scalp	Potent or super-potent corticosteroid Combination vitamin D analogue and corticosteroid Salicylic acid plus corticosteroid Tar plus salicylic acid plus sulphur	4 weeks
Face	Low- or mid-potency corticosteroid Topical calcineurin inhibitor	2 weeks
Perianal or genital area and skin folds (axillae, inframammary, or inguinal region)	Low- or mid-potency corticosteroid Topical calcineurin inhibitor^c	2 weeks

This information is based on the expert opinion and clinical experience of the authors and provides a suggested option for a given clinical scenario to contribute to an informed decision; it does not advise that a given treatment is warranted. ^aTreatments are not listed in any particular order. ^bCertain countries only (for example, UK and Switzerland). ^c2–3 days of corticosteroids before switching to topical calcineurin inhibitors (owing to burning).