Many scalp treatment failures are delivery failures. Part the hair in sections and apply lotion or solution directly to the plaques, not to the hair. Soften thick scale first with a keratolytic or oil left on for several hours, then wash out.
Shampoo formulations work best when left on the scalp for the stated contact time before rinsing. Ask the patient to show how they apply it; the answer often explains the poor response.
- Part hair and apply to plaques, not to hair.
- Remove heavy scale before active treatment.
- Leave medicated shampoos on for the full contact time.
- Ask patients to demonstrate their application.
Why it matters
Poor delivery is a common, fixable reason for apparent treatment failure on the scalp.
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