Complementary and alternative medicine for psoriasis: A qualitative review of the clinical trial literature

Background: Patients with psoriasis often inquire about complementary and alternative medicine in an effort to do everything possible to control the disease. Objective: We sought to review the clinical trial literature regarding complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of psoriasis. Methods: We conducted qualitative systematic review of randomized, clinical trials. Results: Although Many randomized controlled trials were found, both the results and the quality of the Studies varied. Limitations: The main limitations were the relatively low quality of studies (as assessed by Jadad scores), lack of inclusion Of unpublished studies, and the fact that only one author determined inclusion Of Studies and assignment of Jadad scores. Conclusion: There is a large body of literature in regard to complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of psoriasis. More work is necessary before these modalities should be recommended to our patients. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2009;61:841-56.)