Therapy With Keratolytic Gel and Corticosteroid Ointment

Abstract

To the Editor.— I would like to respond to a number of inquiries regarding the use of a keratolytic gel and corticosteroid ointment1in treating generalized psoriasis. The failure of many topically applied agents to clear psoriatic plaques results in part from slow penetration through the hyperkeratotic surface of the skin. In a similar manner, the thickened abnormal stratum corneum may limit the response to ultraviolet light (UV) treatment. We have previously reported that hyperkeratotic dermatoses of the palms and soles improve more completely by combining the use of a salicylic acid-propylene glycol keratolytic gel with a corticosteroid ointment in a sequential fashion.1Using a similar technique, we have found that this combination is more effective than steroid ointment alone in treating generalized psoriasis. To test the combination, we applied keratolytic gel, occluded the area for 1½ hours and followed this with steroid ointment under occlusion overnight on