engleski

A new naphthalene preparation in the treatment of psoriasis

Introduction: In Croatia, the prevalence of psoriasis has been estimated to 2%. At Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation, brown naphthalene has been used for 15 years in the treatment of psoriasis. Naphthalene is obtained from naphtha, a complex mixture of various compounds, mostly hydrocarbons. Naphthalene AA-final is a naphthalene preparation enriched with sterans, constituents believed to represent active naphthalene components, while the content of aromatics has been substantially reduced. Experimental model studies revealed no genotoxicity. The preparation is available in the form of oil. Aim: To determine clinical efficacy of Naphthalene AA-final in patients with psoriasis vulgaris in a pilot study. Patients and methods: Twenty-one patients (6 female and 15 male), mean age 46.5 (range 32-65) years, were included in the study. Upon obtaining an informed consent in writing from all study patients, Naphthalene oil was applied over entire skin surface once daily. After half an hour, the patients mechanically removed residual preparation from the skin and took a shower. The treatment lasted for three weeks. PASI score was recorded before, then on days 7, 14 and 21. The biochemistry parameters of complete blood count, blood glucose, SGOT, SGPT, GGT, and antinuclear factor were determined, and photos of target lesions were taken at the beginning and at the end of treatment. Before treatment with Naphthalene AA-final we applied keratolytics for scale elimination. Results: The mean PASI score was 20.9 and 6.52 at the beginning and at the end of treatment, respectively. The preparation tolerability was ranked high by both the patients and the physicians. No side effects were observed. There were no significant alterations in hematological or biochemical parameters before and after treatment.Conclusion: The new naphthalene preparation Naphthalene AA-final is a useful local agent for the treatment of mild and moderate forms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis; naphtalene preparation; Naphthalene AA-final; mild to moderate forms of psoriasis

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