Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory, immune - mediated disease that predominantly affects the skin and joints. The present study was conducted to compare different drugs in management of cases of psoriasis. Materials & Methods: 78 patients of psoriasis of both genderswere classified into 2 groups of 39 each. Patients ingroup Ireceived clobetasol propionate (0.05%) + salicylic acid (3%) lotion for scalp application and betamethasone valerate (0.05%) cream for body surface application and patients in group II receivedtablet methotrexate (7.5 mg/week) along with topical treatment; clobetasol propionate (0.05%) + salicylic acid (3%) lotion for scalp application and betamethasone valerate (0.05%) cream for body surface application. Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) was assessed in both groups. Results: Group I had 19 males and 20 females and group II had 15 males and 24 females. Common clinical features were scalingseen in 14 in group I and 12 in group II, red lesion seen 10 in group I and 11 in group II, burning pain seen 6 in group I and 9 in group II, thick lesions seen 8 in group I and 4 in group II, itching seen in 25 in group I and 22 in group II and joint pain seen in 10in group I and 12 in group II respectively. The mean PASI score in group I and group II was 13.6, 15.4 at baseline, 13.2 and 12.1 at 1 month and 13.0 and 7.92 at 2 months respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Combination therapy is more effective in management of cases of psoriasis.Methotrexate found to be superior than clobetasol propionate.