Hydroxyurea for the Treatment of Psoriasis with an Emphasis on HIV-Infected Psoriasis Patients: A Review

Abstract

Hydroxyurea is a drug that has been long forgotten for the treatment of psoriasis. In addition to its anti-psoriatic effects, it has also been shown to have antiviral effects. This dual effect makes it a drug that dermatologists may want to consider when treating psoriasis in HIV-infected patients. Currently, no studies are available that discuss the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea in the treatment of psoriasis in this immunocompromised group; however, numerous reports discuss the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea in psoriasis and HIV separately. This review suggests that hydroxyurea is generally safe and effective. The main risk involves the hematologic adverse events (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and macrocytosis), which appear to be dose dependent. Because of the common hematologic adverse events, hydroxyurea may be considered a viable therapeutic option for patients with generalized psoriasis that is inadequately responsive to other safer options, whether or not the patient is HIV positive.