Treatment of Psoriasis: Comparison of 8-methoxysoralen and 4,5,8- Trimethylpsoralen Using Sunlight (low Dosage Daily Regime)

Abstract

A comparative study of the effectiveness of 8-methoxypsoralen and 4,5,8-trimethylpsoralen 'm the treatment of psoriasis revealed that when taken orally in 20 and 10 mg. doses respectively, and 2 hours later lesions exposed to natural sunlight, remission was achieved within 8 weeks. Progressive improvement among patients was variable. Effectiveness of both drugs was comparable, and the difference was insignificant. Drug 4,5,8 trimethylpsoralen achieved equal remission at half the dosage, and for this reason its use is advocated. Failure of the drugs in 2 patients and recurrence in 1, points out the limitations of this method of treatment.