Treatment of Psoriasis on the Face with Calcitriol Ointment.
- Author:
Seong Jin JO
1
;
Hyun Sun YOON
;
Jai Il YOUN
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Facial psoriasis;
Calcitriol
- MeSH:
Adrenal Cortex Hormones;
Atrophy;
Calcitriol*;
Erythema;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Pruritus;
Psoriasis*;
Sensation;
Seoul;
Skin;
Telangiectasis
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2005;43(11):1461-1467
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Facial involvement of psoriasis requires a different approach than that used for typical plaque psoriasis on other skin areas. Calcitriol ointment may improve lesions on the face without atrophy or other local side effects associated with the use of topical corticosteroids. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of calcitriol 3 microgram/g ointment for the treatment of facial psoriasis. METHODS: In the psoriasis clinic of Seoul National University Hospital, a total of 53 patients were treated with calcitriol 3 microgram/g for 8 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by an investigator's assessment of the area and a severity index score of facial psoriasis at the 2nd, 4th, and 8th week. Global assessment was also determined at the 8th week. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients discontinued prematurely from the study, due to disappearing during follow-up treatment (n=9) and combined use of topical corticosteroids (n=1). The remaining patients showed the following response to treatment; excellent (n=10), good (n=14), fair (n=11), and poor (n=8). After 8 weeks of treatment with calcitriol ointment, clinical improvement was achieved in 81.4% of the patients. Among them, 55.8% showed excellent (23.3%) or good effect (32.5%) with calcitriol ointment. Five patients (11.6%) showed a local adverse reaction such as erythema, exfoliation, or an itching sensation, and 2 patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. However, no patient showed telangiectasia, skin atrophy, or systemic side effects. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that calcitriol ointment is an effective and tolerable agent for treatment of psoriasis on the face.
