308 nm monochromatic excimer light in the treatment of psoriasis

Background: Various reports showed 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-cloride excimer at 308 nm (Monochromatic Excimer Light, MEL) in the treatment of stable forms of localized plaque psoriasis. Patients and methods: This study was an open trial with 152 patients affected with stable mild to moderate plaque psoriasis (PASI score between 4 and 12) were treated with a weekly session of MEL A total number of 6-16 sessions was performed with a dose increase according to patient phototype and response. Results: 152 patients were enrolled in the study and 149 completed the protocol. Patients were followed up every two weeks, 57 patients for one-year and 92 patients for 6 months. After 4 months there was complete remission in 87 patients, partial remission in 37 and moderate improvement in 25 patients. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that MEL can be considered as a valid option for treatment of selected forms of localized plaque psoriasis.