A 308-nm monochromatic excimer light in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Various reports have shown the efficacy of narrow-band UVB (311-313 nm) and excimer laser (308 nm) in the treatment of psoriasis.


OBJECTIVE
To prove the efficacy of light produced by xenon-chloride excimer at 308 nm (monochromatic excimer light, MEL) in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis (PP).


METHODS
Fifty-four patients (29 male and 25 female) affected by PP were treated with MEL every 7-14 days. A mean number of 10 sessions was performed with an increase of the dose depending on patient's skin type and response.


RESULTS
All 54 patients completed the treatment. After 4 months of MEL we observed a complete remission in 31 patients, a partial remission in 13 patients, and a moderate improvement in 10 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that MEL can be considered as a valid therapeutic option for treatment of selected forms of PP.
Nisticò
S P
SP
Department of Dermatology, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Italy.
Saraceno
R
R
Stefanescu
S
S
Chimenti
S
S