Occlusive versus nonocclusive calcipotriol ointment treatment for palmoplantar psoriasis

Thirty-nine patients with a clinical diagnosis of palmoplantar psoriasis [23 (58%) males and 16 (42%) females] were included in this study with the aim of evaluating the efficacy of occlusive calcipotriol 50 micrograms/mg ointment vs. nonocclusive therapy. Patients were randomized to either twice-weekly overnight calcipotriol ointment under occlusion or twice-daily topical nonocclusive application of the same ointment for 6 weeks. The effect of treatment was assessed on the basis of a psoriasis signs score for erythema, thickness and scaliness, which was graded from 0 (absent) to 4 (most severe) at the first visit, after 2 weeks and at the end of treatment. Analysis of our results showed that twice-weekly occlusive calcipotriol ointment was as effective as the twice-daily application. The mean total score at baseline was 6 for the occlusive group and 6.1 for the nonocclusive group. The score decreased to 1.5 in both groups at the end of treatment. No significant adverse effects were reported by patients or investigators. We conclude that occlusive calcipotriol ointment is effective in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis and may produce even better results with more frequent use, such as application on alternate days.