The use of the 308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to study the effectiveness of the 308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of various forms of localized stable psoriasis.

BACKGROUND

Recent reports show that 308-nm excimer laser may be an effective and safe method for the treatment of localized stable psoriasis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of a population-based group of 98 patients with various forms of localized stable psoriasis treated with excimer laser. Of these, 41 were male, and 57 were female patients. Ages ranged from 10 to 84 years (mean, 51.4 years). Patients who completed at least 10 sessions were included unless they had achieved >70% improvement in PASI scores before 10 treatments. The initial dose was determined by the MED (minimal erythema dose), and the dose was raised gradually in a stepwise fashion.

RESULTS

Significant improvement (≥70%) was achieved by 59 (60.2%) patients; they needed an average cumulative dose of 6.46 J/cm(2), and an average of 17 sessions. Twenty-four (24.5%) patients achieved good improvement (50% to 70%); the average cumulative dose needed was 5.36 J/cm(2), and the average number of sessions required was 12. Side effects were limited to sunburn-like reaction.

CONCLUSION

The 308-nm excimer laser is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of psoriasis, with good results achieved in a relatively short time.