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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
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The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
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Topical lactoferrin can improve stable psoriatic plaque
R Saraceno1, T Gramiccia, S Chimenti
1Department of Dermatology Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy - rositasaraceno@yahoo.it.
Summary
Topical lactoferrin (LF) shows promise for treating psoriasis plaque symptoms like redness and scaling. Both 10% and 20% concentrations were effective, suggesting LF as a safe topical option for psoriasis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein, possesses antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.
- LF influences cytokine release, potentially impacting psoriatic plaque development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of lactoferrin (LF) for plaque psoriasis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical LF in managing psoriasis symptoms.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, 4-week clinical trial involving 30 patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
- Participants received oral bovine LF (100 mg daily).
- Topical treatment involved either 10% LF ointment (Group A) or 20% LF ointment (Group B), with vehicle-only application on contralateral lesions for control.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two patients completed the study.
- Significant improvement was observed in psoriatic lesion elevation, redness, and scaling with topical LF compared to controls (P<0.05).
- No significant difference in efficacy was noted between 10% and 20% topical LF concentrations. Oral LF alone did not improve control lesions.
Conclusions:
- Topical lactoferrin demonstrates potential as a safe therapeutic option for plaque psoriasis.
- LF may be incorporated into treatment strategies for managing psoriatic plaques.
- Further research could explore optimal LF formulations and long-term efficacy.
