title: A prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing topical aloe vera with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topical aloe vera (AV) has been used to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis, with good results.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to compare the efficacy of AV and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, comparative, double-blind, 8-week study was designed. Eighty patients randomly received AV or 0.1% TA cream and their clinical response were evaluated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 8 weeks of treatment, the mean PASI score decreased from 11.6 to 3.9 (-7.7) in the AV group and from 10.9 to 4.3 (-6.6) in the TA group. Between-group difference was 1.1 (95% confidence interval -2.13, -0.16, P = 0.0237). The mean DLQI score decreased from 8.6 to 2.5 (-6.1) in the AV group and from 8.1 to 2.3 (-5.8) in the TA group. Between-group difference was 0.3 (95% confidence interval -1.18, -0.64, P = 0.5497). There was no follow-up period after the 8-week treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AV cream may be more effective than 0.1% TA cream in reducing the clinical symptoms of psoriasis; however, both treatments have similar efficacy in improving the quality of life of patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. c_choonhakarn@yahoo.com
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Choonhakarn
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Busaracome
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sripanidkulchai
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sarakarn
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000504:Aloe; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide