No abstract

Our procedure for treating psoriatic variants – psoriasis pustulosa generalisata (PPG) and psoriasis erythrodermica (PE) – was based on the following points: (a) to quickly obtain a good tolerance level to photochemotherapy (PUVA) by applying corticosteroids and/or methotrexate (MX); (b) to discontinue the application of systemic drugs with the help of photochemotherapy, and (c) to maintain the improved condition by applying radiation in gradually prolonged intervals, thus enabling the biologic forces of the organism to participate, undisturbed by drugs, in the healing process. In some PE cases, sole PUVA therapy was sufficient, while in others small doses of MX were added to maintain the improved condition. In PPG, skin manifestations completely disappeared and general symptoms were calmed in the first application of this combined therapeutic procedure. However, in the later relapses PUVA had little share in such a combined treatment.

This study was undertaken to assess the amount of glycogen present in psoriasis vulgaris (PV), psoriasis erythrodermica (PE) and psoriasis pustulosa generalisata (PPG) lesions before and after photochemotherapy (PUVA). There were more deposits of glycogen in PPG than in PE and PV. With PUVA treatment, glycogen almost completely disappeared in PV and PE, but traces were still observed in PPG. After treatment, the epidermal layers returned to their normal structure but there was no significant improvement in the dilated and tortuous capillaries in the upper corium.

Our own experience with the treatment of smallpox scars on the face is described. Note is taken of the fact that results are esthetically superior when treatment has been applied later after illness. The pathologic finding of epidermal adnexal organs at certain stages of the cicatrization process, which is incompatible with regenerative capabilities of the skin-forming organ, was unexpected.

A deficiency of spontaneous regeneration is a characteristic feature in many chronic pathological skin processes. However, if a degree of vitality of the cells is still present, it is possible to release their inhibited embryonic properties, so that they behave like normal cells, contributing to the restoration of the original tissue architecture and function. The study reported here was performed on the skin of aged human beings and on arterial walls of old dogs and confirmed to a certain extent previous experience.