Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Psoriasis is a multisystem inflammatory disease with predominantly skin and joint involvement. The present study was conducted to compare acitretin and methotrexate in the cases of psoriasis. Materials & Methods: 90 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis of both genders were divided into 2 groups. Each group comprised of 45 patients. Group I patients were given oral acitretin 0.5 mg/kg daily for 3 months and patients in group II were given oral methotrexate15mg/week for 3 months. Modified psoriasis area severity index (MPASI) score was recorded. Results: Group I had 20 males and 25 females and group II had 22 males and 23 females. The mean MASI score was 60.4, 40.6, 32.4 and 20.8 in group I at baseline, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months respectively. The mean MASI score in group II was 56.8, 36.4, 23.6 and 14.4 at baseline, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Acitretin and oral methotrexate found to be efficient in treating palmoplantar psoriasis.