Comparison of Psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) photochemotherapy plus topical corticosteroids with PUVA plus bland emollients in the treatment of psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Psoralen Ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy is a well-established treatment of psoriasis. The objective of the study was to compare the clinical improvement in psoriasis with PUVA photochemotherapy + topical corticosteroids and PUVA + bland emollients.


METHODS
Forty patients with chronic plaque type of psoriasis were divided into two equal groups each having 20 patients. PUVA therapy was given thrice weekly. In addition, patients of group-A were allowed to apply topical betamethasone 17-valerate 0.1% diluted 1 into 2 parts with plain vaseline twice daily. Patients of group-B were allowed to apply only plain vaseline over lesions twice daily. Clinical improvement in lesions was observed by decrease in the severity of erythema, scaling and plaque elevation.


RESULTS
Clearance of psoriasis was achieved in 95%, of the patients treated with PUVA plus topical corticosteroids while clearance was achieved in 80% of patients treated with PUVA plus bland emollients (P = 0.0758). Median numbers of exposures for group-A were 16 & for group-B were 17.5 (p = 0.1029). Similarly, median cumulative dose in group-A was 64.5 J/cm2 & in group-B was 70.7 J/cm2 (p = 0.372).


CONCLUSIONS
There is no significant difference in clinical improvement in psoriasis treated either by PUVA plus topical steroids or PUVA plus bland emollients.
Tahir
Raheel
R
Department of Dermatology, Nishtar Medical College & Hospital, Multan, Pakistan. rtvirgo@hotmail.com
Mujtaba
Ghulam
G
D000328:Adult; D001624:Betamethasone Valerate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004643:Emollients; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004643:Emollients; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D001624:Betamethasone Valerate