Combination Topical PUVAsol with Methotrexate Versus Methotrexate in the Treatment of Palmoplantar Psoriasis

Background Non-pustular palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) is chronic and disabling dermatosis. Topical psoralen and solar ultraviolet - A therapy (PUVAsol) is efficacious and safe therapy in psoriasis management. Objective To study the efficacy and adverse clinical effect profile of topical PUVAsol along with methotrexate in PPP. Method This is a prospective, randomized, clinical trial conducted among 54 patients with moderate to severe PPP. Patients were grouped into two categories. Group I was treated with weekly oral methotrexate only while group II had additional soak PUVAsol therapy twice weekly for a total of three months. Modified palmoplantar psoriasis area severity index (mPPPASI) score was used for quantification of severity. Patients were followed up monthly for the efficacy and adverse clinical event profile for 3 months; additionally patients were followed up monthly for next three months for assessment of relapse. Result The mean age of patients with PPP was found to be 38.7 ± 13 years and male: female ratio was 1.1:1. In comparison to group I patients, statistically significant improvement was observed among group II patients in the third month follow up (p= 0.039). Fifteen patients (35%) achieved mPPPASI 75 during the treatment period. No significant difference was noted among the mPPPASI score during relapse assessment. Eleven (29%) patients had evidence of relapse (mPPPASI more than 25% of baseline) during follow up period. No statistically significant adverse clinical events were noted. Conclusion Topical PUVAsol is an efficacious, safe and cost effective modality in moderate to severe PPP. It could be employed in rotational or maintenance therapy of psoriasis.