Colchicine in dermatology: Rediscovering an old drug with novel uses

Abstract

Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory agent which has been used for decades in the treatment of gout. The drug has a number of dermatological indications like Psoriasis, Sweet's syndrome, aphthosis, Behcet's disease, erythema nodosum, leukocytoclastic vasculitis and is consistently effective in neutrophilic disorders. Thought it is an affordable with minimal side effects, It has remained underutilized. However, it has novel uses and is being considered in COVID-19 due to its action on IL-1β and IL-6. This article presents a concise and up-to-date review focusing on its mechanisms of action and indications.

Keywords

• aphthosis
• colchicine
• covid-19
• dermatology
• familial mediterranean fever
• gout
• neutrophilic
• palmoplantar pustulosis
• pustular psoriasis
• side effects
• uses