A preliminary clinical trial suggests that topical rosuvastatin or melatonin are effective at controlling psoriatic skin rashes, with significant benefits reported on days 30 and 60.
Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting about 3% of the population, typically manifests in adolescence or later adulthood. The most common form is chronic plaque psoriasis, characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. Management aims to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, starting with topical treatments and progressing to systemic interventions for more severe cases.
Melatonin, a hormone regulating circadian rhythms, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential candidate for psoriasis treatment. Similarly, statins, known for their cholesterol-lowering effects, have shown immunomodulatory and wound-healing properties. Both melatonin and statins are being explored for topical use due to their promising therapeutic effects and relatively few side effects.
This study, published in the journal Skin Research and Technology, was a preliminary randomized double-blinded clinical trial that tested the efficacy of topical rosuvastatin and melatonin creams vs. placebo in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
Both Topical Rosuvastatin and Melatonin Were Effective for Controlling Psoriatic Skin Rashes
A total of 77 participants were randomized into a 1:1:1 ratio to receive one of three interventions: melatonin cream, 5.0% (w/w), rosuvastatin cream, 5.0% (w/w), or placebo cream. Patients were assessed based on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Dermatology Severity Scale (DSS) on days 30 and 60.
Results showed significant improvements in PASI, DSS, and DLQI scores in patients treated with melatonin and rosuvastatin creams compared to placebo. The rosuvastatin group achieved 45% and 70% improvement in PASI scores and 46% and 77% in DSS scores on days 30 and 60, respectively, compared to baseline. The melatonin group achieved 35% and 51% improvement in PASI scores and 40% and 61% improvement in DSS scores on days 30 and 60, respectively, compared to baseline. Similarly, there was a significant improvement in DLQI in both groups. However, the placebo group showed no significant improvement during the same period.
Both treatments led to reductions in the severity of psoriatic lesions and improvements in quality-of-life measures. Adverse effects were minimal, with some patients experiencing mild itching or scaling, particularly in the rosuvastatin group. The study demonstrated that topical melatonin and rosuvastatin creams are effective for reducing the severity of mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, with a favorable safety profile. However, the study had limitations, including a small sample size and the exclusion of participants who did not apply the creams properly. Future research should focus on long-term efficacy and safety in larger patient populations.
The Bottom Line
This study provides valuable insights into the potential of topical melatonin and rosuvastatin as treatment options for plaque psoriasis, highlighting their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Moreover, both treatments have an excellent safety profile. Further, large-scale studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
Source:
Mohammadi, F., Harofteh, F. Z., Sahebnasagh, A., Ghaneei, N., Ardakani, M. E., & Saghafi, F. (2024). Efficacy and safety of topical rosuvastatin & melatonin vs. placebo in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis: A preliminary randomized double‐blinded clinical trial. Skin Research and Technology, 30(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13689
