Iontophoretic delivery of methotrexate in the treatment of palmar psoriasis: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Palmoplantar psoriasis is a localised variant of psoriasis. Topical therapy is the preferred treatment modality, but in severe and recalcitrant cases, systemic drugs like methotrexate are prescribed, with potential for significant adverse effects. Iontophoresis is gaining popularity in enhancing the transdermal delivery of drugs in ionic state. This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of topical methotrexate by iontophoresis technique with clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment in the treatment of palmar psoriasis. METHODS: This was a prospective randomised controlled study conducted on patients with palmar psoriasis. Group 1 patients (n = 31) were treated with once weekly iontophoretic delivery of methotrexate over 6 sittings, and group 2 patients (n = 31) were treated with clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment, twice daily for 6 weeks. Severity of palmar psoriasis was assessed by modified Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (m-PPPASI), and treatment was considered as satisfactory when there was >50% improvement. RESULTS: Sixty two patients were recruited, of which 50 completed the study. Eight out of 25 (32%) patients in group 1 and 12 out of 25 (48%) patients in group 2 showed satisfactory improvement at the end of 6 weeks. However, this difference was statistically not significant (P = 0.25). Burn injury was noted in 12 (48%) group 1 patients with no adverse effects in group 2. CONCLUSION: Iontophoretic delivery of methotrexate is a promising therapeutic modality, the efficacy of which is comparable to that of clobetasol propionate ointment in the treatment of palmar psoriasis.

Topical metformin in the treatment of melasma: A preliminary clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by symmetric hyperpigmented macules on the face. Triple combination cream (TCC) remains the gold standard treatment but its prolonged use often causes adverse effects. Recently, studies have shown that topical metformin has melanopenic action. AIMS: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical metformin in the treatment of melasma and to compare its efficacy with TCC (hydroquinone 2% + tretinoin 0.025% + fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%). METHODS: This was a randomized controlled study conducted on 40 patients with melasma aged more than 18 years. Patients in group 1 (n = 20) were treated with 30% metformin lotion, whereas group 2 patients (n = 20) were treated with TCC for 8 weeks. Pigmentation was assessed using Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) at baseline and after 8 weeks. Outcome measures included global improvement scale (grades 1-4) and patient satisfaction. Safety was assessed according to adverse events and patch testing. RESULTS: All 40 patients completed the study. Out of 20 patients in group 1, 11 showed grade 1 improvement (1% to <25%) and grade 2 (25%-50%) and grade 3 (>50%-75%) improvements were seen in one patient each. In group 2, grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 improvements were seen in 14, 2, 1, and 1 patients, respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Adverse events were noted in three patients in group 2 and none in group 1. CONCLUSION: Topical metformin is a novel, safe, and almost as effective modality as TCC to treat melasma.