Combination phototherapy of psoriasis with narrow-band UVB irradiation and topical tazarotene gel

Abstract

Background: Narrow-band UVB (311 nm) phototherapy offering an emission spectrum closely conforming to the peak of the action spectrum for clearing psoriasis has significantly improved phototherapy for psoriasis. Because the majority of the commonly used topical therapies in treatment of psoriasis have limitations, a need for new topical agents remains. Tazarotene has been shown to be efficacious in plaque-type psoriasis. Combination of narrow-band UVB with topical agents has been shown to enhance efficacy of both treatment modalities. Objective: We attempted to evaluate the efficacy of narrow-band UVB phototherapy in combination with topical tazarotene. Methods: Ten patients with stable plaque psoriasis were treated with narrow-band UVB. In addition, topical tazarotene 0.05% was applied once daily to one side of the body. The follow-up period was 4 weeks. Efficacy was assessed separately for both body halves by means of a modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Results: Both treatment modalities notably reduced the PASI scores with values being significantly lower in skin areas treated with narrow-band UVB phototherapy in combination with topical tazarotene. Conclusion: The addition of tazarotene to narrow-band UVB phototherapy promotes more effective, faster clearing of psoriasis compared with UVB (311 nm) monotherapy. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;42:493-5.)