Hydroxyurea for the Treatment of Psoriasis including in HIV-infected Individuals: A Review.

Abstract

Hydroxyurea is a drug that has been long forgotten for the treatment of psoriasis. In addition to its anti-psoriatic effects, it has also been shown to have antiviral effects. This dual effect makes it a drug that dermatologists may want to consider when treating psoriasis in HIV-infected individuals. There are currently no studies that discuss the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea in the treatment of psoriasis in this immunocompromised group; however, there are multiple reports that discuss the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea in psoriasis and HIV separately. This review suggests that hydroxyurea is generally safe and effective. The main risk involves the hematologic adverse events (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and macrocytosis) which appear to be dose-dependent. Because of the common hematologic adverse events, hydroxyurea may be considered as a viable therapeutic option for patients with generalized psoriasis inadequately responsive to other safer options, whether the patient is HIV-positive or not.