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Efficacy of the pulsed dye laser in the treatment of localized recalcitrant plaque psoriasis: a comparative study
Author(s) -
Erceg A.,
Bovenschen H.J.,
Van De Kerkhof P.C.M.,
Seyger M.M.B.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07141.x
Subject(s) - plaque psoriasis , psoriasis , medicine , dermatology , dye laser , laser , optics , physics
Summary Background Localized chronic plaque psoriasis, resistant to local therapy, may be very hard to treat. The treatment of these lesions with a pulsed dye laser (PDL) has been described before, but a comparative study between the PDL and a potent topical treatment has never been performed. Objectives To compare the efficacy of the PDL in the treatment of localized, recalcitrant plaque psoriasis with a potent topical therapy, using calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Dovobet ® ) as an active comparator. Methods Eight patients with psoriasis were treated with both PDL (585 nm) and calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate in an open, intrapatient, left–right comparison. A plaque severity score (sum score) and photographs were used to document the course of therapy. Patients reported pain on a visual analogue scale. Results Both treatments were well tolerated, although one patient left the study due to post‐PDL treatment pain. A significant difference in the sum score 12 weeks after treatment was seen in favour of the PDL (62% vs. 19% reduction; P < 0·05). Scores for erythema declined significantly at week 12 in both the PDL and the calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate group ( P < 0·001). Induration and desquamation scores were significantly reduced at week 12 in the PDL group, without a statistically significant reduction in calcipotriol/betamethasone‐treated lesions. The pain scores declined with progressive PDL treatments, although not statistically significantly. Conclusions PDL treatment might be considered for the treatment of localized, recalcitrant plaque psoriasis, when other topical therapies have failed.