[Immunomodulating therapy of psoriasis vulgaris].
BACKGROUND
Newest studies have shown that psoriasis is not primarily a skin disorder but an immunological disturbance under the skin. The skin manifestations are a result of overstimulation of superficial skin cells (Langerhans cells) due to increased production of interleukin 2, 6 and 8 as well as transforming growth-factor-alpha. Interleucin-10 production is diminished. In a recent study (11 German University Skin Clinics) fumaric acid was shown to improve the skin leasons in 80% of treated patients.
Our own studies on 54 patients which where treated in addition with intravenous thymus extract (Thymoject) and selenium (Selenase) showed a faster healing rate with fumaric acid alone. From these results one can postulate that the above treatments (fumaric acid, thymus and selenium) have a synergystic effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Internal immunmodulating treatments should therefore have preference over external symptomatic treatments like UV-light, ointments, salt water bath, etc.
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HW
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005650:Fumarates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013949:Thymus Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D005650:Fumarates; D013949:Thymus Extracts; C032005:fumaric acid; D012643:Selenium