BACKGROUND: Topical therapy is generally insufficient in palmoplantar psoriasis. UVBTL01 phototherapy is a therapeutic alternative and we conducted a retrospective study of the efficacy and safety of this approach and of PUVA therapy in palmoplantar psoriasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients treated with UVBTL01 or PUVA therapy from November 2001 to April 2008 were included in the study. Phototherapy was given three times a week. Evaluation was performed after 20 sessions, again after 30 sessions and then at the end of the treatment. Therapeutic outcome was classed as "failure", "slight improvement" or "improvement or clear skin". RESULTS: UVBTL01 phototherapy and PUVA therapy were effective, with "improvement or clear skin" in respectively 52% and 61% of cases and "slight improvement" in 16% and 23% of cases at the end of the treatment. With UVBTL01, adverse effects occurred in 20% of cases (erythema 18%, first-degree burns 7%) and treatment was discontinued as a result in only 4% of cases. Adverse effects occurred in 50% in patients on PUVA therapy, mainly due to methoxypsoralen intake. CONCLUSION: UVBTL01 phototherapy and PUVA therapy are efficacious treatments in palmoplantar psoriasis; UVBTL01 phototherapy involves fewer constraints and has fewer adverse effects.
BACKGROUND: Topical therapy is generally insufficient in palmoplantar psoriasis. UVBTL01 phototherapy is a therapeutic alternative and we conducted a retrospective study of the efficacy and safety of this approach and of PUVA therapy in palmoplantar psoriasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients treated with UVBTL01 or PUVA therapy from November 2001 to April 2008 were included in the study. Phototherapy was given three times a week. Evaluation was performed after 20 sessions, again after 30 sessions and then at the end of the treatment. Therapeutic outcome was classed as "failure", "slight improvement" or "improvement or clear skin". RESULTS: UVBTL01 phototherapy and PUVA therapy were effective, with "improvement or clear skin" in respectively 52% and 61% of cases and "slight improvement" in 16% and 23% of cases at the end of the treatment. With UVBTL01, adverse effects occurred in 20% of cases (erythema 18%, first-degree burns 7%) and treatment was discontinued as a result in only 4% of cases. Adverse effects occurred in 50% in patients on PUVA therapy, mainly due to methoxypsoralen intake. CONCLUSION: UVBTL01 phototherapy and PUVA therapy are efficacious treatments in palmoplantar psoriasis; UVBTL01 phototherapy involves fewer constraints and has fewer adverse effects.