A new generation of hydrocolloid dressings in combination with topical corticosteroids in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris

Aim A clinical, randomized, parallel, multicenter study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and the tolerability of two known steroid creams, betamethasone 17-valerate and clobetasol propionate, alone or left under a hydrocolloid dressing (Contreet degrees Derma Cover), in the treatment of chronic plaques of psoriasis. Methods A total of 70 patients with symmetrical localized psoriasis were divided randomly into two groups for the study. Each patient applied the corticosteroid preparation under Contreet degrees Derma Cover once a week on one plaque and the same topical corticosteroid alone b.i.d on the other plaque; the treatment lasted 3 weeks for betamethasone 17-valerate, and 2 weeks for clobetasol propionate. Results The healing rate reached 79% with the Contreet degrees combined treatment versus 15% (P < 0.0001) with the standard treatment for betamethasone 17-valerate (group I) and 86% versus 14% (P < 0.0001) for clobetasol propionate (group II). The mean difference in healing rate was 65% (95% confidence interval (C.I), 46-84%) and 69% (95% C.I., 50-87%) in groups I and II, respectively. Conclusion The use of the new generation of hydrocolloid dressings in combination with steroid preparations can be considered as another therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic localized psoriatic lesions. Furthermore, with this method the amount of the topical corticosteroid used can be reduced. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.