• The effect of oral doses of colchicine on pustule formation was studied in 32 patients with pustulosis palmaris et plantaris without associated psoriasis. Oral administration of colchicine, 1 to 2 mg daily, was started during periods of disease exacerbation, and the dosage was gradually decreased to 0.5 to 1 mg daily in responsive patients. Thirteen patients showed complete clearing of pustulation, and 14 patients showed a remarkable reduction in pustule formation after two to eight weeks of treatment. One patient did not respond and four discontinued treatment because of nausea or diarrhea. During a three-month follow-up evaluation after treatment was stopped, relapse occurred in eight cases. Colchicine appears to be effective in the suppression of acute exacerbations of pustulosis palmaris et plantaris.
(Arch Dermatol 1982;118:458-460)