Rifampicin therapy in severe forms of psoriasis

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Abstract
Previous studies have reported the beneficial effect of antibiotics on streptococcal-associated psoriasis. Seven patients with psoriatic erythroderma, two patients with pustular psoriasis and one patient with severe plaque-type psoriasis unresponsive to previous treatment, or with contraindications to systemic therapy other than antibacterial, were treated with rifampicin. Eight patients had a history of recent pharyngitis, sinusitis or respiratory tract infection. Rifampicin was administered as a 300 mg capsule of Tubocin twice daily for 30 days in seven patients and for 45 days in three patients. Six patients responded to the treatment with an outcome ranging from moderate improvement to clinical remission. The patients enrolled in the study reported a significant relief from pruritus in the course of rifampicin therapy. No side-effects, other than red discoloration of the urine, were observed (J Dermatol Treat (1992)3: 69–71)