Resolution of inverse psoriasis after treatment with levodopa for Parkinson's disease

Dermatol Ther. 2017 Jan;30(1). doi: 10.1111/dth.12408. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Abstract

Inverse psoriasis is characterized by the development of erythematous shiny plaques at intertriginous areas of the body. It has a prevalence of 2% worldwide. The usefulness of levodopa in psoriasis was discovered in 1970 but nowadays it is not a standard therapy for this condition. A 74-year-old woman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease subsequent to the development of extensive inverse psoriasis. The skin lesions were resistant to classical topical and systemic medications. Treatment with levodopa was initiated in order to treat her neurological problem and progressive remission of the skin lesions was noted. We highlight the role of dopamine in the pathophysiology of this dermatosis.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease; intertriginous psoriasis; inverse psoriasis; levodopa.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / therapeutic use*
  • Parkinson Disease / complications
  • Parkinson Disease / diagnosis
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / complications
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Levodopa