Effective treatment of scalp psoriasis using the excimer (308 nm) laser.
BACKGROUND
Psoriasis of the scalp can be a major therapeutic challenge as response to topical medication is often inadequate. The excimer laser has potential for providing local phototherapy as its high irradiance makes treatment at this site a practical option.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze retrospectively results of treating scalp psoriasis with the excimer (308 nm) laser.


METHODS
Thirty-five patients were treated and all had failed intensive topical therapy. Manual separation of hair was used to provide access to the treatment site. Starting doses ranged from 300 mJ/cm(2) (type I) to 1000 mJ/cm(2) (type IV) with treatment twice weekly.


RESULTS
All patients improved. Seventeen/35 (49%) of patients cleared>95% (mean: 21 treatments; range: 6-52) and 16/35 (45%) cleared 50-95%. Phototoxicity in the form of erythema and blistering occurred in all patients, particularly around the ears and nape of neck.


CONCLUSIONS
The excimer laser is a successful approach to treatment of psoriasis of the scalp being a simple treatment that can be performed in a short period of time and which has a high rate of effectiveness.
Morison
Warwick L
WL
Johns Hopkins at Green Spring Station, Lutherville, MD 21093, USA. wmorison@jhmi.edu
Atkinson
Darleen F
DF
Werthman
Lucille
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation