["Aqua-SUP" in chronic palmoplantar dermatoses].

In 11 of 15 patients suffering from chronic dermatoses of the palms and soles (psoriasis inversa, palmoplantar pustulosis, palmoplantar hyperkeratotic eczema and idiopathic pompholyx), an improvement was achieved with "aqua-SUP" therapy. Trials using this therapeutic modality, which is a combination of balneotherapy and selective UV phototherapy (SUP), have only rarely been reported so far. In addition, five patients received internal medication (mainly aromatic retinoid) that had previously not been effective enough, three of them in combination with local corticosteroids. Four more patients were administered local corticosteroids in addition to "aqua-SUP". Four patients experienced local pain in the treated area, especially in the initial phase of phototherapy, and a mild erythematobullous reaction occurred in three of them. No other side-effects were observed. The efficacy of "aqua-SUP" for the treatment of the above-mentioned dermatoses lies in the same range as that of local PUVA, which has been used up to now. However, as "aqua-SUP" is easily manageable, it is more convenient for the patient and does not involve the problems of photosensitization.