ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of combined, cantharidin and cryotherapy versus placebo and cryotherapy in common warts
Methods This was a double-blind clinical trial conducted on 110 patients. Lesions in both groups underwent cryotherapy followed by topical solution of cantharidin and flexible collodion in case and control groups, respectively. Participants were assessed based on cure rate, adverse effects and recurrence rate
Results Complete cure was achieved in cantharidin group after 3.4 treatment sessions vs. 4.7 in control group. In cantharidin group, higher prevalence of hyperpigmentation was reported but incidence of atrophic scar was lower than control group. Recurrence rate in both groups was not statistically meaningful
Conclusion Cantharidin can be recommended as a safe and effective adjunct treatment in children and patients where other treatment modalities are contraindicated
ABSTRACT
Palmoplantar psoriasis could hardly be differentiated from chronic tylotic eczema both clinically and histologically. The most commonly used therapeutic options for palmoplantar psoriasis are long-term therapy with topical corticosteroids and local PUVA. Frequently, it is a recalcitrant disease. We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of the combination of topical calcipotriol with local UVA radiation in comparison with local PUVA therapy. In a total of 43 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis, 33 were given 15 sessions of local UVA radiation and topical calcipotriol and the remainder received 15 sessions of local PUVA [psoralen + UVA radiation]. The statistical analyses of the results showed that the effect and tolerability of both therapeutic modalities are comparable. Combination of topical calcipotriol and local UVA radiation is an optional corticosteroid-free therapeutic modality for palmoplantar psoriasis. It has a comparable effectiveness and tolerability with local PUVA