This is an extremely promising research article on the role of Tazarotene ointment, in the treatment of nail psoriasis. It is a shame that this article is in Spanish and might not be widely read. Nail psoriasis is often very difficult to treat, though calcipotriol/ betamethasone ointment can be quite helpful. Often one has to resort to oral/ systemic medications for the treatment of nail psoriasis. If Tazarotene does work, it would be a boon to psoriasis patients!

Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2012 Sep 25. pii: S1578-2190(12)00270-3. doi: 10.1016/j.adengl.2012.09.014. [Epub ahead of print]

Nail Psoriasis: Treatment With Tazarotene 0.1% Hydrophilic Ointment.

Fischer-Levancini C, Sánchez-Regaña M, Llambí F, Collgros H, Expósito-Serrano V, Umbert-Millet P.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Nail involvement is common in psoriasis and has a considerable impact on patient quality of life. Its clinical presentation depends on which part of the nail is affected: the bed or the matrix. Fifty percent of patients report associated pain. In this study, we analyzed the safety and effectiveness of tazarotene 0.1% in a hydrophilic ointment in the treatment of nail psoriasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

We performed an open observational study of 6 patients diagnosed with nail psoriasis. The patients applied a compounded preparation of tazarotene 0.1% ointment under occlusion every night for 6 months in their homes. They were not receiving any other topical or systemic treatments. Nail psoriasis severity (assessed using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index [NAPSI]), subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis, splinter hemorrhages, oil stains, and nail pitting were evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS:

A statistically significant improvement between baseline and 6 months was observed in all patients: the mean (SD) NAPSI went from 14.3 (6.3; 95% CI, 11.74-16.92) to 2.3 (1.21; 95% CI, 1.84-2.3) while the median went from 15 to 2.5 (P = .007). The percentage improvement at the end of treatment was 87.9%. No adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION:

Our study shows the therapeutic potential of tazarotene ointment in nail psoriasis.