A 308-nm monochromatic excimer light in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis

• Published in: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Vol. 20; no. 5; pp. 523 - 526
• Main Authors: Nisticò, SP, Saraceno, R, Stefanescu, S, Chimenti, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2006
• Subjects: 308-nm; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Female; Foot Dermatoses - radiotherapy; Hand Dermatoses - radiotherapy; Humans; Male; MEL; Middle Aged; palmoplantar psoriasis (PP); Psoriasis - radiotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Ultraviolet Therapy - methods
• ISSN: 0926-9959; 1468-3083
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01503.x

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.