Steroid-free cream helps clear up scaly skin of psoriasis

A new treatment for the skin condition psoriasis can reduce the often distressing symptoms without the side-effects associated with standard therapies.

More than two million Britons have psoriasis, where skin cells are replaced every few days, instead of three to four weeks.

It’s thought to be due to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells. As a result immature cells move up too quickly to the skin’s surface, forming raised patches of silvery scales known as ‘plaques’ which can become inflamed and painful.

The first line of treatment is steroid creams which reduce inflammation and itching and help slow the production of skin cells, but these can thin the skin over time.

The new treatment, Soratinex, can reduce redness and scaling skin within weeks — even banish them in some cases — without such side effects.

A new treatment for the skin condition psoriasis can reduce the often distressing symptoms without the side-effects associated with standard therapies (stock image)

The twice-daily, three-step treatment combines a salicylic acid gel to remove dry skin, a moisturising cream and oil, including lavender and rosemary oil.

Results from the first UK trial involving 20 patients at Ealing Hospital in West London and at The Marylebone Clinic in Harley Street found that three in five had a 50 per cent or more improvement in symptoms in eight weeks. (The researchers used a system called the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, PASI, to grade the psoriasis before and after treatment.)

A third of participants, who had previously tried other topical medications with no success, found their symptoms virtually disappeared with Soratinex.

The findings of this one-year trial were similar to previous Europe-wide trials involving 2,500 people, which found four in five patients experienced a 50 per cent or greater improvement in symptoms after using the treatment. Professor Anthony Chu, a dermatologist who led the UK trial, says Soratinex offers new hope for patients who have not responded well to existing treatments.

‘The fact Soratinex doesn’t contain corticosteroids is particularly exciting because a lot of patients are scared of their long-term use,’ he says. ‘Nearly all patients experienced some improvement and — in some cases — these were quite miraculous. These results should be attracting the attention of the NHS,’ says Professor Chu, who has no financial interest in Soratinex.

The lotion has been developed for plaque psoriasis, accounting for 80 per cent of cases. Typically plaques form on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.

If steroid creams don’t work then in severe cases doctors may offer methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug that suppresses the immune system. Although effective, it can damage the liver long-term. Another option for severe cases is ciclosporin, which also works on the immune system. However, this increases the risk of high blood pressure and kidney disease.

Patients may be offered biologics, via injection or drip, to prevent the immune system producing chemicals that trigger inflammation. But biologics carry a raised risk of infection and are expensive (some cost £1,000 a month).

Soratinex — created by an Australian biochemist — is cheaper, at £121.05 for a large pack (containing 250g cream, 200ml gel and 200ml oil) which can last patients with mild to moderate symptoms up to three months.

The three-step regimen involves a gel to remove flaky skin, a cream to reduce inflammation and a moisturising oil that creates a protective layer.

The theory is that getting rid of the scales allows the cream to penetrate the skin and reduce inflammation. The oil seals in the gel and the cream.

Within days of starting the treatment in August, Greg Pittard, 47, a commercial director of an ice sculpture company, says his red patches were beginning to clear up. ‘They are continuing to improve and I’m seeing good, clear skin,’ he says. ‘It’s not cleared up completely but I’m hoping it will.’

Greg, from North-West London, has had psoriasis covering a quarter of his body, including his arms, chest and back for 18 years. He stopped swimming because people stared but is now hoping to get back in the pool.

Carla Renton, from the Psoriasis Association, says everyone’s psoriasis is different and a treatment that works for one will not necessarily work for another.

‘Because of this, it’s important that new and varied treatments for psoriasis are developed and made available,’ she says.

‘Small-scale trials such as this are useful to highlight interesting treatment possibilities, but more research is needed to determine this product’s potential.’

  • SORATINEX will be available from October 29 via franklpharma.co.uk.

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