Comparative efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy alone and its combination with topical 8-methoxypsoralen in psoriasis.

ABSTRACT

Background: Very few studies using the combination of topical 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) have been performed, especially in Indian patients. A combination of oral psoralen with NBUVB has been shown to have a superior efficacy as compared with NBUVB alone in psoriasis. Aims: Comparison of the efficacy of topical psoralen NBUVB (combination) versus NBUVB alone in psoriasis. Methods: Thirty patients with plaque psoriasis were taken up for the study and NBUVB phototherapy was given twice weekly. The target lesions on one side were treated with 0.1% topical 8-MOP 15 min before the irradiation. The treatment period was 12 weeks or 24 exposures. Results: The number of treatment sessions and cumulative NBUVB doses were lower in the combination therapy as compared with NBUVB monotherapy, although the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: To conclude, topical 8-MOP enhances the therapeutic effects of NBUVB therapy without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.