A prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing topical aloe vera with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
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.
Choonhakarn
C
C
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. c_choonhakarn@yahoo.com
Busaracome
P
P
Sripanidkulchai
B
B
Sarakarn
P
P
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*
D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide