Complementary and alternative medicine for psoriasis: A qualitative review of the clinical trial literature

Background

Patients with psoriasis often inquire about complementary and alternative medicine in an effort to do everything possible to control the disease.

Objective

We sought to review the clinical trial literature regarding complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of psoriasis.

Methods

We conducted qualitative systematic review of randomized, clinical trials.

Results

Although many randomized controlled trials were found, both the results and the quality of the studies varied.

Limitations

The main limitations were the relatively low quality of studies (as assessed by Jadad scores), lack of inclusion of unpublished studies, and the fact that only one author determined inclusion of studies and assignment of Jadad scores.

Conclusion

There is a large body of literature in regard to complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of psoriasis. More work is necessary before these modalities should be recommended to our patients.

Key words: acupuncture, alternative medicine, Chinese medicine, climatotherapy, complementary medicine, fish oil, herbal medicine, hypnosis, psoriasis

Abbreviations used: BSA, body surface area, CAM, complementary and alternative medicine, DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, DS, Dead Sea, DSS, Dead Sea salt, EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, HC, highly concentrated, ITT, intention to treat, NB, narrowband, PASI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, SSW, saline spa water baths, UV, ultraviolet