An Investigator-Initiated Trial of a Polymeric Emulsion of Halobetasol Propionate and Tazarotene in the Treatment of Palmoplantar Psoriasis

Copy: Palmoplantar psoriasis is a chronic, difficult-to-treat localized variant of psoriasis that affects the palms and soles, significantly affecting patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the synergistic effect of a fixed-combination topical lotion composed of halobetasol propionate 0.01% and tazarotene 0.045% in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis. METHODS: This was an open-label investigator-initiated trial involving 21 patients with moderate-to-severe palmoplantar plaque-type psoriasis who underwent treatment with halobetasol propionate 0.01% and tazarotene 0.045%. Subjects were assessed for disease severity using the palmoplantar Physician Global Assessment and the mean difference over time was compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: 5 patients (24%) achieved a palmoplantar Physician Global Assessment of 0 or 1 after week 24 or last observation carried forward. The mean palmoplantar Physician Global Assessment significantly decreased from baseline (3.57) to week 24/last observation carried forward (2.38) (P<0.001). DISCUSSION: Halobetasol propionate 0.01% and tazarotene 0.045% lotion demonstrated efficacy in adult patients with moderate-to-severe palmoplantar plaque-type psoriasis through significant improvement in palmoplantar Physician Global Assessment. The complementary mechanisms of action of the corticosteroid and tazarotene may be of benefit compared to monotherapeutic agents. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(2): 223-225. doi:10.36849/JDD.7067.