Enstilar Foam

What is Enstilar foam?

Enstilar is a prescription-strength foam that treats psoriasis (characterised by dry, raised, and scaly patches of skin). It contains the active ingredients calcipotriol (vitamin D analogue) and betamethasone (a corticosteroid).

Unlike a cream, you're able to spray the foam onto the skin to cover hard-to-reach areas or a wider range of body areas (including the scalp) to discourage large quantities being applied unnecessarily.

What is Enstilar used for?

Enstilar treats plaque psoriasis in adults. It's the most common type of psoriasis, and it causes raised, red, scaly patches, usually on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.

It isn't suitable for every type of psoriasis, though. It shouldn't be used for erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis. If you have guttate psoriasis, speak to your prescriber before using it.

How does Enstilar foam work?

When you have psoriasis, your immune system tells your skin to make new cells far too quickly. They build up before your body can shed them, and that's what creates those thick, sore, flaky patches.

Enstilar works to tackle both parts of the problem:

• Calcipotriol is a man-made form of vitamin D. It slows your skin cells down and helps them mature properly, so the scaling and thickness gradually ease off.
• Betamethasone dipropionate is a strong steroid. It calms the inflammation that causes the redness, itching, burning, and soreness.

Using them together tends to work better than using either one on its own.

How long does it take to work?

Many people notice a difference in their psoriasis in the first couple of weeks. In one trial, more than 25% of people were clear or almost clear by week two, and 53% had got there by week four.

Everyone's skin is different, so don't worry if yours takes a bit longer to settle. But if you've finished your four-week course and nothing's changed, speak to your prescriber instead of carrying on.

Enstilar foam vs Dovobet gel

While there isn't a direct equivalent to Enstilar in a gel formula, there's an ointment and gel sold under Dovobet. Here's how they compare.

How to use Enstilar foam

You should apply Enstilar once a day, with it being more convenient in the evening. You should use the foam for four weeks, or as advised by your prescriber. Here's a step-by-step guide on using Enstilar foam:

• Shake the can for a few seconds.
• Hold the can at least 3cm away from your skin. You can hold it at any angle apart from on its side.
• Spray onto each patch and rub it in gently.
• For your scalp, comb your hair first to lift the loose flakes.
• Then spray the foam into your palm and rub it into the affected areas with your fingertips.
• Wash your hands afterwards, unless you've just treated them. This stops the medicine getting onto your face or in your eyes.
• Place the cap back on the can after every use.

How long to leave on Enstilar foam

Don't rinse off Enstilar foam. After application, leave it on, either overnight or during the day, and avoid showering or bathing afterwards. Giving it time without washing the area means the medicine can absorb properly.

How often to use Enstilar foam

You should use Enstilar foam once a day for four weeks. If your skin has improved after four weeks, your prescriber might switch you to a maintenance treatment.

That means using it twice a week, on two days that aren't back-to-back, on the areas that were affected. You leave 2-3 days between applications.

If a flare-up comes back, you'd usually go back to once a day, but always consult your prescriber first.

Don't use more than 15g of Enstilar per day, and don't treat more than 30% of your total body surface area. A 60g can should last for at least four days.

How long can you use Enstilar foam for?

The standard treatment course is four weeks. If you need longer, or you want to start another course later, your prescriber needs to review it beforehand.

The limit is there because of the steroid. Using steroids for a long time makes side effects more likely. Your skin can also flare-up again when you stop, which is another good reason to stay in touch with your prescriber after your course ends.

Enstilar foam side effects

Enstilar foam is typically well tolerated, with side effects being uncommon. For further information on side effects, including potentially serious side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Who shouldn’t use Enstilar foam

Don't use Enstilar if you:

• are allergic to calcipotriol, betamethasone, or any of the other listed ingredients
• have problems with calcium levels in your blood
• have certain types of psoriasis called erythrodermic psoriasis or pustular psoriasis

As Enstilar contains a strong steroid, don’t use Enstilar on areas affected by:

• viruses (e.g. cold sores or chicken pox)
• fungus (e.g. athlete’s foot and ringworm)
• bacteria
• parasites (e.g. scabies)
• tuberculosis (TB)
• perioral dermatitis (red rash around the mouth)
• thin skin
• easily damaged veins
• stretch marks
• ichthyosis (dry skin with fish-like scales)
• acne (pimples)
• rosacea (severe flushing or redness of the skin on the face)
• ulcers and wounds

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, always speak to your prescriber before using Enstilar.

Storage information

• Store Enstilar below 30°C and out of direct sunlight.
• The contents are highly flammable. Keep it away from flames, sparks, and heat, and don't smoke near it.
• Dispose the can six months after you first use it.
• Never pierce or burn the can, even if it feels empty.
• Keep it somewhere children can't see or reach it.

Alternatives to Enstilar foam

If Enstilar isn't quite right for you, there are some other psoriasis treatments available, like:

• Dovobet gel: Contains the same two active ingredients as Enstilar in a gel formula, which many people find easier to apply to the scalp and hairline.
• Dovobet ointment: The same active ingredients in a thicker, more moisturising formula, making it better suited to dry, heavily scaled plaques.
• Betnovate 0.1% cream: A steroid-only cream that reduces redness, swelling, and itching.
• Bettamousse 0.1% foam: A steroid foam designed specifically for the scalp, so it spreads easily through hair without leaving a greasy residue.

Frequently asked questions about Enstilar foam

Can I use Enstilar foam on my scalp?

Yes, Enstilar can be used for psoriasis on the scalp. First, comb your hair to lift any loose flakes, then spray the foam into your palm and rub it in with your fingertips rather than spraying straight onto your head. Wash your hands afterwards.

Can Enstilar get rid of psoriasis?

While Enstilar can clear your skin, it can't cure psoriasis. In one trial, 53% of people were clear or almost clear after four weeks. Flare-ups can still come back, which is why some people move onto maintenance.

Is Enstilar foam a steroid?

Yes, one of the active ingredients in Enstilar foam, betamethasone dipropionate, is a strong steroid.

Can you buy Enstilar foam over-the-counter?

No, Enstilar is prescription-only, meaning you're unable to buy it over-the-counter. To see if Enstilar is the right psoriasis treatment for you, complete a quick online consultation with us today.

Sources

• Enstilar Foam Patient Information Leaflet. Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc). [Accessed 15th September 2026].
• About Enstilar. Enstilar. [Accessed 15th September 2026].
• Plaque Psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation. [Accessed 15th September 2026].