Topical Psoralen and Sunlight in Treatment of Palmoplantar Psoriasis in Iraqi Patients

Abstract

Back ground: Topical psoralens plus sunlight is a common practice among Dermatologists in the world for treatment of various skin diseases like Vitiligo and Psoriasis. objective: To test the effectiveness and safety profile of topical psoralen plus sunlight for the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis in Iraqi patients. Patients and methods: Non-randomized open clinical therapeutic trial.29 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis were enrolled in this study from outpatient Department of Dermatology and Venereology in Baghdad teaching Hospital during the period of May 2006 to February 2007. All patients were treated with 0.01% methoxsalen solution plus sunlight three times weekly for 8weeks. The response to the therapy was evaluated before and after therapy by modified PASI score for palmoplantar psoriasis .the score for each patients was assessed at onset of therapy and at end of therapy by the same examiner. Results: After 8 weeks of therapy most patients showed significant reduction in score of severity and this reduction was statistically significant .side effect was minimum Conclusion: In conclusion topical 8-methoaxsalen plus sunlight is an effective and save method to treat patients with palmoplantar psoriasis.