A new naphthalene preparation in the management of psoriasis.

Naphthalene AA-Final, a naphthalene preparation, is a new tool in the management of psoriasis. Brown naphthalene has been used for 15 years in the treatment of psoriasis at Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation in Ivanic Grad, Croatia. Naphthalene is obtained from naphtha, a complex mixture of various compounds, mostly hydrocarbons. Naphthalene AA-Final is a new naphthalene preparation enriched with sterans, constituents believed to represent active naphthalene components, while the content of polyaromatics has been substantially reduced. Experimental model studies revealed no genotoxicity. The preparation is available in the form of oil. A pilot study including 11 patients with psoriasis vulgaris was performed at Naftalan Special Hospital to assess the clinical efficacy of Naphthalene AA-Final. Upon obtaining an informed consent in writing from all study patients, Naphthalene AA-Final was applied over involved skin areas once daily for three weeks. PASI score was recorded before (22.4) and after (7.85) treatment. The new preparation tolerability was good and free from side effects or alterations in hematology and biochemistry parameters. The new preparation Naphthalene AA-Final proved to be an efficacious and well tolerated local agent for use in rotation therapy of psoriasis. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 2005;13(2):189 NEWS AND COMMENTS