title: Excimer laser versus narrow-band UVB (311 nm) in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The excimer laser is a new therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine the response of psoriasis lesions to the 308-nm excimer laser compared to 311-nm UVB phototherapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this prospective right/left comparative, open, single-blinded trial, selected psoriasis plaques of 16 patients were treated with the excimer laser whereas the rest of the body was treated with UVB narrow-band phototherapy. A modified PASI score was used to evaluate the results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 12 treatments, 15 patients were evaluated. In 2 patients no difference between the two body sides was observed. In 9 patients the laser-treated lesions showed better results, whereas in 4 patients the side treated with 311-nm UVB showed more clearing. The mean reduction in PASI score was 5.6 and 4.9, respectively (difference not significant).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of the 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser is an additional effective therapeutic option for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Simone Maria
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Goldinger
authors.forename: Reinhard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dummer
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Mareike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prinz Vavricka
authors.forename: Gunter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Burg
authors.forename: Severin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lauchli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome