Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis by 308 nm Excimer Light in Egyptian Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that demonstrates a high burden and an impaired quality of life. The role of excimer light therapy and its modes of action are not completely understood in the treatment of psoriasis. Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Monochromatic Excimer Light (MEL) in the treatment of psoriasis. Materials and Methods: Ninety Egyptian psoriasis patients with plaque-type psoriasis were treated with MEL twice a week, for a total of 24 sessions or until complete improvement. The Psoriasis Severity Index (PSI) was assessed for each patient. Results: At the final visit, 96/360 (26.67%) patches of psoriasis showed complete clearance, 75/360 (20.83%) patches achieved more than 75% improvement, 132/360 (36.67%) patches achieved 51-75% improvement and 57/360 (15.83%) patches achieved 26-50% improvement. The best result occurred on the trunk followed by lower limbs, upper limbs, palms and soles than the scalp. There was inverse statistical correlation between the percentage of improvement and skin phototype and no correlation with patient’s age, sex or duration of disease. Side effects reported were erythema in 45 patches, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in 102 patches, perilesional skin was covered by protective sheet, so no side effect occurred. No recurrence was observed six months after treatment. Conclusion: The clinical data indicate that 308 nm excimer light is safe and effective in the treatment of psoriasis and the outcome of treatment is affected by skin phototype and site of the disease. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation was the most common side effect.

Keywords

• mono chromatic excimer light
• plaque psoriasis
• phototherapy