Efficacy and safety of iontophoresis combined sodium salicylate in acquired plantar keratoderma-a randomized controlled study

Abstract

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Palmoplantar keratoderma is a heterogenous group of disorders, hereditary or acquired, characterized by thickening of palms and soles. Though it is not a life-threatening condition, it affects individual’s quality of life. As treatment of keratoderma has always been troublesome, upgraded treatment modalities which improves keratoderma efficiently are always encouraged.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: In this randomized controlled study, patients of plantar keratoderma of age group of 18-65 years were randomly divided in group A and group B. In group A, iontophoresis combined sodium salicylate was offered to patients twice weekly for 8 weeks of duration, during which DC current was supplied at 5-15 mA for 10 min of duration. Whereas, in group B patients applied topical salicylic acid 12% ointment at home twice a day for 8 weeks.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Our study of 70 patients of keratoderma, revealed diffuse (94%) pattern of involvement with female preponderance (55.7%) and occupation wise, most common among laborers (54.2%) followed by housewives (27.1%). Statistically significant number of patients showed reduction in severity grading of parameters, in both groups at end of 8 weeks. Same way, mean values of parameter grading significantly reduced at 8 weeks in both the groups. But intergroup values showed no significant difference. Mean EASI (Eczema Area Severity Index) score showed statistically significant reduction in group B as compared to group A at 8<sup>th</sup> week. Percentage of reduction of EASI score was also significantly higher in group B at end of treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Here both treatment modalities are safe and effective, topical being slightly more efficacious than iontophoresis. So, we can conclude that no additional privilege of drug delivery through iontophoresis.</p>