Cryotherapy in chronic plaque psoriasis: an effective therapeutic modality

Background Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory, and proliferative condition of the skin in which both genetic and environmental factors have a critical role. Various topical and systemic drugs which are given as rotational and sequential therapies are commonly prescribed as treatment. However, these are often not effective in prolonging the remission of chronic plaque psoriasis. Aims and objectives To assess the therapeutic efficacy of cryotherapy in chronic plaque psoriasis. Methodology A prospective study on 50 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis was undertaken. Patients were treated with six consecutive sessions of cryotherapy at weekly intervals and further followed-up for another 6 weeks. Results It was observed that among 128 plaques of psoriasis vulgaris, 63 (49%) plaques showed G5 improvement while 40 (73%) among 55 plaques of palmoplantar psoriasis had G5 improvement. Thus, palmoplantar lesions responded better as compared with cutaneous lesions. Conclusion Cryotherapy using nitrous oxide as cryogen has been proven to be an effective therapeutic modality not only for treatment but also for prolonging the remission in localized plaque psoriasis.