Halobetasol, tazarotene lotion efficacious in palmoplantar psoriasis

Patients with palmoplantar plaque-type psoriasis had significantly improved signs and symptoms of disease when treated with a topical halobetasol propionate and tazarotene emulsion, according to a study.

“The fixed-combination of halobetasol propionate 0.01% and tazarotene 0.045% has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with moderate to severe palmoplantar plaque-type psoriasis as evidenced by a significant decrease in palmoplantar Physician Global Assessment over a 6-month period,” Jenna Yousif, BS, of the department of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told Healio.

The open-label, investigator-initiated trial included 21 patients (mean age, 52.5 years; 42.9% women; 47.6% white) with moderate to severe disease. Each was instructed to apply a thin layer of halobetasol propionate/tazarotene (HP/TAZ) lotion (Duobrii, Ortho Dermatologics) once daily to affected areas.

Jenna Yousif

At week 24, 57% of patients had completed the treatment. Five patients (24%) achieved a score of 0 or 1 on the palmoplantar PGA (PPPGA) assessment at the end of the trial, according to results published in a brief report. PPPGA decreased from a mean of 3.57 at baseline to 2.38 at week 24 or the last observation carried forward (P < .001), which the researchers called significant.

Treatment-related adverse events were mild and included application site pruritus, stinging and burning. No adverse events led to treatment discontinuation.

The study’s small sample size and open-label design were its main limitations, according to Yousif, who recommends a randomized, double-blind study to confirm results.

“Through this study, we hope to offer an effective alternative topical medication to patients struggling with palmoplantar psoriasis and to those who have failed other topical treatments such as corticosteroids,” she said.