Remission and relapse of chronic plaque psoriasis treated once a week with clobetasol propionate occluded with a hydrocolloid dressing versus twice daily treatment with clobetasol propionate alone.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown the clinical efficiency of occlusion therapy for psoriasis, particularly corticosteroids used under hydrocolloid dressings. However, there are no data from comparative clinical studies evaluating the remission and relapse characteristics of such occlusion therapy compared with orthodox topical steroid monotherapy. METHODS: In a randomised, open-label, parallel group study from three centres, the remission and relapse characteristics were investigated for the use of a hydrocolloid dressing (HCD) over clobetasol propionate 0.05% lotion once a week compared with the same steroid in ointment formulation used unoccluded twice a day in 61 patients with stable chronic plaque psoriasis. RESULTS: There was a pronounced treatment difference in favour of the HCD + clobetasol propionate lotion group with respect to time to clearance, but there was little evidence for a difference with respect to time to relapse. CONCLUSION: The combination of the HCD + clobetasol propionate lotion provides a fast and highly effective remission induction.