Diprosalic ointment – betamethasone and salicylic acid for scaly skin conditions

Diprosalic ointment contains two active substances: betamethasone dipropionate, a potent topical corticosteroid, and salicylic acid. The corticosteroid reduces inflammation, redness and itching of the skin, while salicylic acid softens the upper scaly layer of the skin, so that betamethasone can more easily reach the affected skin underneath.

The ointment is used in adults and children only for skin diseases in which the skin surface is covered by a layer of scales, such as scalp psoriasis or chronic plaque psoriasis of the hands and feet. It is available on prescription.

What is Diprosalic ointment used for and how should it be applied?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Diprosalic ointment used for?

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, Diprosalic ointment is indicated for the treatment of hyperkeratotic and dry dermatoses responsive to corticosteroids, in which the thickened (horny) layer of the skin hinders the penetration of the steroid. It is also effective in less responsive conditions such as scalp psoriasis and chronic plaque psoriasis of the hands and feet, but not in widespread plaque psoriasis.

The ointment removes the layer of scales and reduces redness and itching. It must not be used for other skin problems, as it may make them worse.

How is it applied and dosed?

According to the leaflet, in adults and children a thin layer of ointment is applied twice a day and gently rubbed into the affected skin (in some cases once a day is enough, and less often for maintenance). The medicine is usually prescribed for two weeks, after which the doctor assesses the effect.

• The maximum weekly dose is 60 g of ointment.
• Do not use on the face for more than 5 days; in children not on any part of the body for more than 5 days.
• Do not use large amounts on large areas of the body for a long time (e.g. every day for weeks or months).
• Do not apply under dressings, plasters or a child’s nappy.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.

Special patient groups

• Children: limit use to 5 days; in children under 12 years use is not recommended without careful medical supervision. Excessive use may affect the child’s hormones (growth retardation, rounded face, increased pressure in the skull – bulging fontanelle, severe headache, visual disturbances).
• Adults: with excessive or prolonged use, puffiness of the face, weakness, tiredness and dizziness on standing or sitting may rarely occur.
• Kidney or liver impairment: the leaflet does not state any special dose adjustment.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

Do not use Diprosalic ointment:

• if you are allergic to betamethasone dipropionate, salicylic acid or any of the excipients;
• to treat other skin diseases, especially rosacea, acne, perioral dermatitis, perianal and genital itching, nappy rash, viral skin infections, chickenpox or other skin infections.

Warnings and precautions

• In psoriasis your doctor may monitor you closely – tell them if your psoriasis gets worse or pus-filled bumps appear on the skin.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you or your child experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
• If your condition worsens during use, you may have an allergy, an infection or need different treatment – talk to your doctor.
• If symptoms return within 2 weeks of stopping, do not restart without your doctor’s advice; if redness beyond the treated area or burning occurs, be sure to seek advice.
• Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) in contact with the ointment burns more easily; washing reduces but does not completely remove the build-up.

Interactions with other medicines, food and drink

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, interactions are not applicable for this medicine. Nevertheless, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you use, especially other skin products – using several products on the same area at the same time is not advisable without advice.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask your doctor for advice before use. In pregnancy the medicine may be used only if the benefit justifies the possible risk, and it must not be used in large amounts or for long periods. During breast-feeding the doctor decides whether to stop breast-feeding or the medicine.

Driving and using machines

Diprosalic ointment does not affect the ability to drive or use machines.

Possible side effects

When the ointment is used correctly, most people have no problems; side effects are rare. If it is used more often or longer than it should be, the following may occur:

• thinning of the skin, stretch marks, dilated small blood vessels, stinging, blisters, peeling, swelling, itching, burning, rash and dry skin – more easily in newborns and children;
• inflammation of hair roots, excessive hair growth, reduced skin pigmentation, acne-like eruptions, perioral dermatitis and allergic skin reactions;
• contact dermatitis; prolonged use of salicylic acid may cause dermatitis;
• blurred vision;
• more often under occlusive dressings: maceration of the skin, secondary infections, atrophy and stretch marks;
• steroid withdrawal reaction after prolonged continuous use: redness spreading beyond the treated area, burning, stinging, intense itching, peeling, oozing open sores.

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Accidental swallowing: should not cause any problems; if you are worried, talk to your doctor.
• Excessive use: too frequent use or use on large areas may affect hormones, and in children growth and development; nausea, vomiting and ringing in the ears are possible – tell your doctor or pharmacist.
• Missed dose: apply the ointment as soon as you remember, then continue as before.
• Stopping treatment: after long-term use do not stop suddenly (the skin may become red with burning and stinging) – the doctor gradually reduces how often you apply it.

Related information

For additional care of dry, sensitive skin prone to psoriasis and eczema, see also the category Eczema and psoriasis – products in this category do not replace the medicine prescribed for you.

Composition, pack and manufacturer

• Active substances: 1 g of ointment contains 0.64 mg betamethasone dipropionate (0.5 mg betamethasone; 0.05%) and 30 mg salicylic acid (3%).
• Excipients: liquid paraffin; white soft paraffin.
• Appearance and pack: smooth, homogeneous, almost white ointment; aluminium tube with membrane and plastic screw cap, 15 g.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Organon d.o.o., Milutina Milankovića 1i, Novi Beograd. Manufacturer: Organon Heist B.V., Industriepark 30, Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium.

Storage

• Store below 25 °C.
• After first opening the medicine can be stored for 3 months below 25 °C.
• Shelf life of the unopened medicine: 3 years; keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply Diprosalic ointment to my face?

Only if your doctor has prescribed it, and for no longer than 5 days. The ointment must not be used for rosacea, acne or perioral dermatitis and must not get into the eyes, nose or mouth.

How long can I use Diprosalic?

The medicine is usually prescribed for two weeks, after which the doctor assesses the effect. In children use should be limited to 5 days, and the maximum weekly amount is 60 g of ointment.

Does Diprosalic help with scales on the scalp?

According to the Summary of Product Characteristics, it is also effective in scalp psoriasis, because salicylic acid softens the scales and allows the corticosteroid to penetrate the skin. Use it as advised by your doctor.

Can I stop using it suddenly?

Not after long-term use – the skin may become red with burning and stinging. Your doctor will gradually reduce how often you apply the ointment until you stop completely.

Sources

• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics, Diprosalic® 0.5 mg/g + 30 mg/g ointment (SmPC, Serbian)
• ALIMS – Patient information leaflet, Diprosalic® 0.5 mg/g + 30 mg/g ointment (PIL, Serbian)

Sources checked on: 25 October 2026.