A new formulation of an occlusive dressing containing betamethasone valerate 0.1% in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.

Author(s): Pacifico A, Daidone R, Peris K

Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.

Publication date & source: 2006-02, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol., 20(2):153-7.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Betamethasone valerate (BMV) is a medium-potency corticosteroid commonly used for the treatment of chronic psoriasis. Although occlusion has been shown to enhance the efficacy of BMV treatment, no ready-to-use occlusive BMV formulation is currently approved for the market. METHODS: Forty-two patients with mild to moderate psoriasis and with symmetrical lesions were treated with BMV 0.1% tape and BMV 0.12% cream for 30 days in a half-side distribution. Both treatments resulted in a significant clinical improvement. Efficacy and tolerability were evaluated by comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment psoriasis area and severity index and self-administered psoriasis area and severity index scores, and by comparison of the changes from baseline in clinical appearance and hydration. RESULTS: Lesions treated with BMV 0.1% tape showed higher reductions from baseline in the psoriasis area and severity index and the self-administered psoriasis area and severity index scores (61.7% and 59.3%, respectively), compared with lesions treated with BMV 0.12% cream (39.5% and 34.0%, respectively). No serious local or systemic treatment-related adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a higher efficacy of BMV 0.1% tape compared with BMV 0.12% cream in the treatment of mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis.