TACALCITOL IN PSORIASIS - A VIDEO-MICROSCOPY STUDY

Video-microscopy is a video-imaging system which permits direct visual ization of the skin surface and capillaries, by using a microscope att ached to a camera, a video-recorder and a printer. This technique prov ides information on the morphology of capillaries in vivo and has been used both for research into normal skin microcirculation and as a cli nical method to detect capillary changes in psoriasis and other skin d iseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology of capil laries in psoriatic plaques before and after treatment with tacalcitol , a new topical vitamin D3 analogue. Clinical evaluation was made afte r 3 and 6 weeks of therapy. After 3 weeks a reduction in erythema and scaling was noted; and areas in which capillaries were less tortuous b ecame evident. After 6 weeks, capillaries were less dilated and tortuo us in the whole plaque and had lost the large and tortuous appearance of active psoriasis.