Are topical corticosteroids useful adjunctive therapy for the treatment of psoriasis with ultraviolet radiation? A review of the literature
Meola, T.; Soter, N.A.; Lim, H.W.
Archives of Dermatology 127(11): 1708-1713
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-987X PMID: 1952979 Document Number: 373025
Adjunctive topical corticosteroids are often administered with UV-B phototherapy or oral psoralen plus UV-A (PUVA) photochemotherapy for the treatment of psoriasis. Five studies comparing PUVA alone with PUVA and topical corticosteroid preparations showed more rapid rates of clearing and a smaller total UV-A exposure with the latter regimen. However, one study demonstrated a higher relapse rate in association with corticosteroid use. Further studies to better define these risks are recommended. Six of seven reports evaluating the use of topical corticosteroid preparations with UV-B phototherapy failed to demonstrate an advantage to this regimen when compared with UV-B phototherapy alone. Therefore, the use of a topical corticosteroid preparation with UV-B phototherapy for the treatment of psoriasis is not recommended.