Excimer laser versus narrow-band UVB (311 nm) in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.
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.
Goldinger
Simone Maria
SM
Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
Dummer
Reinhard
R
Schmid
Peter
P
Prinz Vavricka
Mareike
M
Burg
Gunter
G
Lauchli
Severin
S
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