Anthralin-Corticosteroid Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Abstract

A prospective randomized trial of anthralin in Lassar's paste compared with anthralin in 0.0125% clobetasol propionate in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis was undertaken. The psoriatic skin of patients treated with the corticosteroid-anthralin combination cleared significantly more quickly than those treated with anthralin alone, with a mean time to clearance of 14.9 days compared with 18.5 days, and with lower concentrations of anthralin. No significant difference was found in the rate of relapse of the two treatment groups, with relapse occurring in over 80% of patients within one year. Anthralin in 0.0125% clobetasol propionate was found to be an effective agent in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis, and one that was cosmetically acceptable to patients and nursing staff. An important disadvantage, however, was the development of a staphylococcal folliculitis in four of the 35 patients in which it was used. Because of this, anthralin in Lassar's paste remains our standard inpatient therapy, although the ease of use and cosmetic acceptability of anthralin in clobetasol propionate make it a useful remedy for outpatient use.

Combining lesional short-contact dithranol therapy of psoriasis with a potent topical corticosteroid

“…In 1970, Farber and Harris 4 first reported the benefits of a modified dithranol regimen, alternating daily topical corticosteroid application with nightly low‐strength dithranol paste, with complete clearance within an mean treatment period of 11 days. More recently, Monk et al 5 . found a significantly faster clearance and no significant difference in relapse rate using dithranol in 0·0125% clobetasol propionate, compared with dithranol in Lassar's paste, in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.…”

Pharmacotherapy of Inflammatory and Pruritic Manifestations of Corticosteroid-Responsive Dermatoses Focus on Clobetasol Propionate

“…No significant difference was found in the rate of relapse (80% within one year) of the two treatment groups. 63 In a Norvegian randomised, double-blind study right-versus left-side comparison of two different ointments, CP and calcipotriol 50 microg/g bd, was carried out. The ointments were applied to two simmetrically-located areas for two weeks followed by a 4-weeks period of calcipotriol in 49 psoriasis patients.…”

Psoriasis: consensus on topical therapies

“…In particular, the combination with ultraviolet B treatment and, to a lesser degree, topical corticosteroids, are time‐honoured principles. However, well‐designed placebo‐controlled, prospective studies of these combination treatments are sparse with recent studies suggesting that these combinations have little therapeutic value 72–77 …”