A Review on the Role of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) in the Treatment and Understanding of Psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a long-term, autoimmune inflammatory condition characterized by red, scaly plaques that can range from a few patches to total skin coverage. Over the past 60 years, and more recently, the metal-chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) has proven increasingly useful in the treatment and understanding of psoriasis and related conditions. This review will analyze the current role and effectiveness of EDTA in clinical and non-clinical studies designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis in patients. Currently, EDTA demonstrates great medical benefit in the treatment of psoriasis as an antioxidant and as an inhibitor of beta-lipoprotein production. EDTA additionally functions well in research applications due to its ability to maintain red blood cell structural integrity. The authors find that the perceived impact of EDTA in the understanding and combating of psoriasis to be greatly underestimated and is therefore in need of increased awareness and attention by healthcare professionals, dermatologists, and clinical researchers.