A hydrocolloid occlusive dressing plus triamcinolone acetonide cream is superior to clobetasol cream in palmo-plantar pustulosis.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of a hydrocolloid dressing (Actiderm) over a medium strength corticosteroid (triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) 0.1% cream) with that of a highly potent corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream) in palmo-plantar pustulosis and localized pustular psoriasis. It was a randomized, open, prospective, right-left comparative trial in 19 patients. The Actiderm dressing and the TAA cream were applied every third day, whereas the clobetasol cream was applied twice daily for 4 weeks. Both treatments resulted in a significant improvement. On completion of treatment, complete clearance was found in 13 patients (63%) with Actiderm plus TAA, but in only 3 patients (21%) with clobetasol (p = 0.001). Four weeks after stopping therapy, the clinical parameters had returned to their pre-treatment level, except for erythema on the Actiderm plus TAA treated lesions (p less than 0.05). No clinically important adverse effects were reported or observed in particular there was no sign of skin atrophy at the end of study. The results of this study demonstrate that Actiderm applied over a medium strength corticosteroid every third day is highly effective against palmoplantar pustulosis and localized pustular psoriasis. However, it is necessary to develop treatment regimens to maintain the improvement achieved.