308nm monochromatic excimer light in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis

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