Evaluation of PUVA, topical corticosteroids and the combination of both in the treatment of psoriasis

Abstract

A total of 90 patients with psoriasis were treated either by photochemotherapy (PUVA, psoralen long wave ultraviolet irradiation) or by topical steroids under occlusion (TOC). In a 3rd group of patients a combination of both regimens was applied. All patients received approximately 15 treatments of either type. During therapy, biopsies were taken in all treatment groups and the epidermal thickness was monitored planimetrically. After clearing of the skin, the patients were left without treatment and the time of onset of new lesions was recorded. While TOC produced rapid clearing of the skin this was followed by early relapses (in 50% of the patients after 3 wk). PUVA reduced psoriatic hyperplasia more slowly; however, 50% of the patients remained free of psoriasis for approximately 10 wk after clearance. Psoriasis treated with steroids under occlusion together with PUVA showed a significantly faster return of the skin to normal as compared to PUVA. As in PUVA-treated patients relapses occurred after approximately 12 wk in this group. The combination of both treatments appears to be advantageous for rapid skin clearance and comparatively long remissions.