Broad-band UVB versus paint PUVA for palmoplantar psoriasis treatment

AbstractBackground: Plaque-type palmoplantar psoriasis (PPTP) is a chronic recalcitrant dermatosis with treatment modalities ranging through topical, phototherapy or systemic. Phototherapy options include various forms of ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A with prior psoralen sensitization (PUVA). Currently, few comparative studies have been reported. Purpose: To compare Broad-Band UVB (BB-UVB) versus paint PUVA (p-PUVA) in regard to efficacy and safety in the treatment of PPTP. Methods: A retrospective non-randomized cohort study comprised of all the patients with PPTP treated in our phototherapy centre during 2010–2012, either with BB-UVB or p-PUVA. Results: Among the 248 patients included in this study, 122 received BB-UVB and 126 followed p-PUVA treatment. About 36 (30%) and 53 (42%) had complete remission, 29 (24%) and 59 (47%) responded partially and 57 (47%) and 14 (11%) patients did not improve with BB-UVB and p-PUVA, respectively. The odds ratio for remission (p-PUVA: BB-UVB) was 7.9. Duration...