title: Broad-band UVB fiber-optic comb for the treatment of scalp psoriasis: a pilot study.
abstract: Abstract Background Scalp psoriasis is a frustrating condition with limited treatment options. Our objective was to test a new fiber-optic broad-band UVB comb device for the treatment of this condition. Methods Scalp psoriasis on adult subjects was treated three times a week for up to 12 weeks with a fiber-optic UVB comb. A minimum 50-cm(2) scalp area served as the control. Starting doses were based on the standard minimal erythema dose (MED) with increments up to 20% for subsequent treatments. Results Fourteen subjects completed the study without sunburn reactions or blisters. Treated sites showed a mean improvement in the modified PASI score of 3.6. The difference in the mean modified PASI scores between the control and treated sites was 3.9 (< 0.0001). Conclusions This fiber-optic broad-band UVB comb can safely and effectively treat scalp psoriasis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Atul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taneja
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Racette
authors.forename: Zafirios
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Gourgouliatos
authors.forename: Charles R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation