New Treatment Combination May Help Psoriasis

German researchers have recently studied four treatments for intertriginous psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease which infects skin folds of the underarms, breasts, groin, buttocks, and genitals.
Usually treated with topical corticosteroids, intertriginous psoriasis leads to significant physical and emotional discomfort for those who suffer from it. Topical corticosteroids may have unwelcome side effects if used for a long time, which is why new treatments are being studied.

Researchers from Ruhr University have studied four treatments for this type of psoriasis, including 1 percent pimecrolimus (a new, non steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug), .005 percent calcipotriol (a non-steroidal treatment), 0.1 percent betamethasone (a corticosteriod, used topically), and placebo cream. 80 people participated in this study. All four creams (even the placebo) resulted in significant decreases in the severity of psoriasis.

In terms of actual effectiveness, the 0.1 percent betamethasone was more effective than the 1 percent pimecrolimus cream. Pimecrolimus cream increased itching and burning shortly after application; with most of these reactions lasting less than 30 minutes and disappearing within a few days.

The scientists conclude that topical corticosteriods remain the most effective treatment for intertriginous psoriasis, but they suggest that a short term application of a topical corticosteriod (like betamethasone) followed by a less potent agent (such as pimecrolimus or calcipotriol) may help sufferers avoid the negative effects of long term corticosteriod use.