Naphthalan Oil in the Treatment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Abstract

Background Naphthalan is a specific form of medicinal earth oil, and a number of subtypes are used in topical therapy for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In the present study, yellow naphthalan oil that is enriched with steranes but that has a reduced content of polyaromatics was used. Objective The aim of the study was to assess the effect of naphthalan on psoriatic skin lesions, on painful and swollen joints, and on functional status of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Methods The study included 28 patients with chronic stationary psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) and 12 patients with psoriatic arthritis. Results In the psoriasis vulgaris study arm, the mean ± SD Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was 23.1 ± 7.5 at baseline; it was 7.95 ± 4.08 after 3 weeks of naphthalan treatment. In the majority of patients, naphthalan treatment reduced articular pain and edema and improved mobility of affected joints. Conclusion Naphthalan provides efficacious therapy in the management of mild to moderate psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.