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The systemic effect of dithranol treatment in psoriasis
M J Goodfield1, S M Hull, W J Cunliffe
1Department of Dermatology, General Infirmary, Leeds, U.K.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Local dithranol treatment for psoriasis shows a systemic effect, improving untreated plaques. This suggests circulating factors, not direct drug action, influence psoriasis treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Topical treatments are common, but systemic effects are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the systemic effects of local dithranol treatment in psoriasis.
- To assess changes in both subjective plaque severity and objective blood flow in treated and untreated psoriatic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Psoriasis patients received local dithranol treatment for one week.
- Subjective plaque severity was assessed.
- Blood flow in plaque centers and active edges was measured using laser-Doppler flowmetry.
Main Results:
- Untreated psoriatic plaques showed subjective and objective improvement.
- Blood flow decreased in both the center and active edges of untreated plaques.
- These changes suggest a systemic effect mediated by factors other than circulating dithranol.
Conclusions:
- Local dithranol treatment for psoriasis induces systemic effects.
- Circulating factors, potentially T cells, are likely responsible for these systemic effects.
- Within-patient comparisons of topical psoriasis treatments may require re-evaluation due to systemic influences.