Scientific Methods
Role of
bromelain in the treatment of patients with
pityriasis lichenoides chronica.
OBJECTIVES: Pityriasis lichenoides chronica
(PLC) is a skin disease of unknown etiology.
Uncertainty about the etiopathogenesis of this
skin disease is the reason for the unpredictable
and non optimal efficacy of therapies available
for its treatment. The aim of the present study
was to evaluate the efficacy of bromelain, a
crude aqueous extract of the stems and immature
fruit of pineapple, in the treatment of PLC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients (3
males and 5 females) with PLC were enrolled in
the study and treated for three months with oral
bromelain (40 mg 3 times a day for 1 month, 40
mg twice a day for 1 month and 40 mg/day for 1
month).
RESULTS: All patients showed complete
clinical recovery after treatment. In 12 months
of follow up, two patients experienced relapse
5-6 months after suspension of therapy but
responded to another brief cycle of therapy. No
side effects were encountered during therapy.
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion bromelain can be
considered an effective therapeutic option for
PLC; its efficacy could be related to its
anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and/or
anti-viral properties.
J Dermatolog Treat. 2007;18(4):219-22
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