OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the meridian three-combined therapy for treatment of ordinary psoriasis.

METHODSA multi-central, randomized and positive drug controlled trial was adopted, and 233 cases were divided into an observation group of 116 cases and a control group of 117 cases. The observation group was treated with thread embedding at points, blood-letting puncture on the back of ear and auricular point pressing (i.e. meridian three-combined therapy). For thread embedding, 3-4 local points such ear points as Fei (CO14), Gan (CO12), Pizhixia (AT4), Shenmen (TF4) , cephalic and symmetric points of severe parts of the limb skin were selected according to the skin lesion position, and the treatment was given once each two weeks. For ear point tapping and pressing, 3-5 points were selected in each session. And the control group was treated with oral administration of Di yin Tablets, 5 tablets each time, twice each day. After treatment of 6 weeks, the clinical therapeutic effects, the score of skin lesion area, the scores for skin lesion severity and safety were compared in the two groups.

RESULTSThe markedly effective rate was 57.8 % in the observation group and 51.3% in the control group with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05); after treatment the scores for both the skin lesion area and the skin lesion severity were significantly decreased in the two groups compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), and with a significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). And the incidence rate of the adverse reaction in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONThe meridian three-combined therapy is effective and safe for treatment of ordinary psoriasis.