Biomaterial Database

Topical fish oil in psoriasis--a controlled and blind study. 1992

S O Escobar, and R Achenbach, and R Iannantuono, and V Torem

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids compete with arachidonic acid as substrates for lipoperoxidases, which transform them into leukotrienes with low biological activity. As this process, in skin, may benefit psoriatic patients, a randomized controlled single blind-study was carried out on a sample of 25 patients. In the study fish oil (FO) was compared with liquid paraffin (LP); both were topically applied and administered daily for 6 h under an occlusive dressing over a 4-week period. Evaluations were performed weekly assessing erythema, scaling, plaque thickness (induration) and itching. The results showed statistically significant improvement in erythema and scaling for both treatments compared to basal values; significant differences between treatments were achieved in scaling but not in erythema. Compared to baseline, FO significantly improved plaque thickness while LP did not. After 4 weeks, FO proved to be significantly better than LP. All patients accepted the treatment despite its unpleasant smell. Irritation and a burning sensation were reported in the FO treated plaque of one patient. This adverse effect reverted after completing the treatment. These findings demonstrate that topical FO shows a better performance than LP under an occlusive dressing.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D008899	Mineral Oil	A mixture of liquid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It is used as laxative, lubricant, ointment base, and emollient.	Liquid Paraffin,Petrolatum, Liquid,Drakeol,Vaseline Oil,Liquid Petrolatum,Oil, Mineral,Oil, Vaseline,Paraffin, Liquid
D011446	Prospective Studies	Observation of a population for a sufficient number of persons over a sufficient number of years to generate incidence or mortality rates subsequent to the selection of the study group.	Prospective Study,Studies, Prospective,Study, Prospective
D011565	Psoriasis	A common genetically determined, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by rounded erythematous, dry, scaling patches. The lesions have a predilection for nails, scalp, genitalia, extensor surfaces, and the lumbosacral region. Accelerated epidermopoiesis is considered to be the fundamental pathologic feature in psoriasis.	Palmoplantaris Pustulosis,Pustular Psoriasis of Palms and Soles,Pustulosis Palmaris et Plantaris,Pustulosis of Palms and Soles,Psoriases
D005260	Female		Females
D005395	Fish Oils	Oils high in unsaturated fats extracted from the bodies of fish or fish parts, especially the LIVER. Those from the liver are usually high in VITAMIN A. The oils are used as DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS. They are also used in soaps and detergents and as protective coatings.	Fish Liver Oils,Fish Oil,Liver Oils, Fish,Oil, Fish,Oils, Fish,Oils, Fish Liver
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000287	Administration, Topical	The application of drug preparations to the surfaces of the body, especially the skin (ADMINISTRATION, CUTANEOUS) or mucous membranes. This method of treatment is used to avoid systemic side effects when high doses are required at a localized area or as an alternative systemic administration route, to avoid hepatic processing for example.	Drug Administration, Topical,Administration, Topical Drug,Topical Administration,Topical Drug Administration,Administrations, Topical,Administrations, Topical Drug,Drug Administrations, Topical,Topical Administrations,Topical Drug Administrations
D000293	Adolescent	A person 13 to 18 years of age.	Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths