Bath PUVA in the Treatment of Palmoplantar Psoriasis

During the period of May 2000 to April 2005 a total of 50 cases (30 male and 20 female) of 20 to 50 years age groups were studied at the Department of Dermatology Venereology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka with different types and grades of palmoplantar psoriasis (PPPS) (Noble classification) to evaluate the efficacy of bath PUVA in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis. Diagnosis was based on clinical suspicion and confirmed by histopathological examination of lesional skin. Bath PUVA was given thrice in a week initially and then twice and once in a week according to the response of the patient. Amelioration of symptoms in different degrees were observed in mild 62%, moderate 50% and severe cases 25% . It appears that bath PUVA is safer and effective in mild and moderate cases of PPPS if treated earlier.