Efficacy of Excimer Laser Combined With Either Topical Tazarotene or Topical Betamethasone Valerate Versus Excimer Laser Alone in Treatment of Localized Chronic Plaque Psoriasis; Clinical and Dermoscopic Study

Psoriasis presents as well-circumscribed, erythematous plaques with an overlying silvery white scales. It has an effect on various aspects of life including mental health, productivity and relationships.

Topical therapies as corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogs are first-line treatments for mild plaque psoriasis; which involves less than 3% of the body surface area (BSA). Moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis is usually managed with phototherapy, systemic or biologic therapies .

The American Academy of Dermatology gives a strength recommendation for the use of combination therapies for treatment of psoriasis with superior efficacy to monotherapy .

The 308-nm excimer laser has been widely used for many dermatological diseases. In psoriasis, it shows an efficacy in the treatment of localised plaques especially on the knees and elbows.

It is indicated in moderate to severe psoriasis that affects <10% of the body surface. Areas such as nose, ears and palpebral region can be easily accessed using the laser. It induces lymphocytic apoptosis and decreases the proliferation rate of keratinocytes . There are multiple protocols that evaluate the clinical response to Excimer laser; the induration protocol, the minimal erythema dose and the minimal blistering dose.