A prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing topical aloe vera with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.

Author(s): Choonhakarn C, Busaracome P, Sripanidkulchai B, Sarakarn P.

Affiliation(s): Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. c_choonhakarn@yahoo.com

Publication date & source: 2010, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. , 24(2):168-72

BACKGROUND: Topical aloe vera (AV) has been used to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis, with good results. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the efficacy of AV and 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. METHODS: A randomized, comparative, double-blind, 8-week study was designed. Eighty patients randomly received AV or 0.1% TA cream and their clinical response were evaluated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, the mean PASI score decreased from 11.6 to 3.9 (-7.7) in the AV group and from 10.9 to 4.3 (-6.6) in the TA group. Between-group difference was 1.1 (95% confidence interval -2.13, -0.16, P = 0.0237). The mean DLQI score decreased from 8.6 to 2.5 (-6.1) in the AV group and from 8.1 to 2.3 (-5.8) in the TA group. Between-group difference was 0.3 (95% confidence interval -1.18, -0.64, P = 0.5497). There was no follow-up period after the 8-week treatment. CONCLUSIONS: AV cream may be more effective than 0.1% TA cream in reducing the clinical symptoms of psoriasis; however, both treatments have similar efficacy in improving the quality of life of patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.