[Immunomodulating therapy of psoriasis vulgaris].

BACKGROUND

Newest studies have shown that psoriasis is not primarily a skin disorder but an immunological disturbance under the skin. The skin manifestations are a result of overstimulation of superficial skin cells (Langerhans cells) due to increased production of interleukin 2, 6 and 8 as well as transforming growth-factor-alpha. Interleucin-10 production is diminished. In a recent study (11 German University Skin Clinics) fumaric acid was shown to improve the skin leasons in 80% of treated patients.

OWN EXPERIENCES: Our own studies on 54 patients which where treated in addition with intravenous thymus extract (Thymoject) and selenium (Selenase) showed a faster healing rate with fumaric acid alone. From these results one can postulate that the above treatments (fumaric acid, thymus and selenium) have a synergystic effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Internal immunmodulating treatments should therefore have preference over external symptomatic treatments like UV-light, ointments, salt water bath, etc.