Carboxytherapy for treatment of localized chronic plaque psoriasis: Clinical and histopathologic evaluation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Multiple treatment options are introduced in treatment of chronic localized plaque psoriasis but with poor adherence and poor patients' satisfaction resulting in poor treatment outcome. OBJECTIVE: In this pilot study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of carboxytherapy in treatment of chronic localized plaque psoriasis. METHODS: Thirty adult patients with chronic localized plaque psoriasis were enrolled in this study. The patients received carboxytherapy injection once/week for 8 weeks. Patients were clinically and histpathologically evaluated 2 weeks after the last treatment. Clinical response was evaluated by investigator's global assessment, total sign score, and 5-point scale for perilesional erythema. We performed 10-point visual analog scale for patient's satisfaction, and side effects. Three months after the last session we evaluate recurrence using 10-point scale. RESULTS: Carboxytherapy achieved treatment success in 26.6% according to investigator's global assessment and total sign score and 70% of the patients demonstrated absence of perilesional erythema. Patients were satisfied with no reported side effects. Recurrence area was within 1% -10% of the baseline area in 83.3% of the improved patients.