Different Applications of Monochromatic Excimer Light in Skin Diseases

Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 Jun 29.
Different Applications of Monochromatic Excimer Light in Skin Diseases.
Nisticò SP, Saraceno R, Schipani C, Costanzo A, Chimenti S.

Department of Dermatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome, Italy .

Abstract Background: Ultraviolet radiation has been used for curative purposes in dermatologic conditions, especially in the last 30 years. Objectives: We analyzed the efficacy of monochromatic excimer light in psoriasis, palmoplantar pustulosis, vitiligo, mycosis fungoides and alopecia areata, and to examine potential new indications. Methods: Two hundred seventy-nine patients with common and persistent skin diseases were enrolled in an open prospective study: 152 patients with stable and localized plaque psoriasis, 47 with palmoplantar psoriasis, 7 with palmoplantar pustulosis, 32 with vitiligo, 11 with prurigo nodularis, 9 with mycosis fungoides stage Ia, 8 with alopecia, 5 with localized scleroderma, 5 with genital lichen sclerosus, and 3 with granuloma annulare. The 308 nm excimer light was used at a power density of 48 mW/cm(2). An average of 12 sessions (range, 6-18), one session per week, was performed and yielded a total dose range of 4-12.5 J/cm(2). Clinical response was assessed using photos, biopsies, and specific clinical scores. Patients were monitorized for 6 and 12 months for psoriasis, 12 months for mycosis fungoides, and 4 months for the remaining conditions. Results: We observed complete remission in more than 50% of patients with plaque psoriasis and palmoplantar dermatoses, respectively, complete remission in all patients affected by mycosis fungoides, excellent repigmentation in one third of vitiligo patients, hair regrowth in three patients with alopecia areata, an overall improvement in prurigo nodularis, a partial remission in patients affected by localized scleroderma, and a complete remission in most of the patients with genital lichen sclerosus and granuloma annulare. Conclusions: Our study confirms the use of monochromatic excimer light as a valid choice for the treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo, and mycosis fungoides; we also observed and report for the first time that monochromatic excimer light produces a therapeutic response in prurigo nodularis, localized scleroderma, genital lichen sclerosus, and granuloma annulare.

Pharmacology and Treatment

Treatment of Folliculitis with Monochromatic Excimer Light (308 nm)
Steven P. Nisticò, Rosita Saraceno, Isabella Carboni, Sergio Chimenti

Department of Dermatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Address of Corresponding Author
Dermatology 2009;218:33-36 (DOI: 10.1159/000165627)

Background/Aims: 308-nm excimer light has been reported to be safe and effective in the treatment of chronic skin diseases. The aim of the study wasto prove the efficacy of 308-nm monochromatic excimer light in the treatment of recalcitrant and antibiotic-resistant folliculitis. Methods: Eight patients affected with folliculitis were enrolled and treated twice weekly with the 308-nm excimer light. The follow-up was 12 weeks from the end of the treatment. Results: A mean number of 13 sessions (range 10-20) was performed with increasing dosage according to the patient's phototype and response. Remission, in terms of number and infiltration of papulopustular elements, was achieved in all patients after 4-16 therapeutic sessions. At the end of the follow-up period, recurrence of folliculitis was observed in 2 patients. Conclusions: These results suggest that the 308-nm excimer light is a valid therapeutic option for the treatment of resistant forms of folliculitis especially in difficult-to-treat areas.

Is this laser like what Nid and OMG build or is this a different kind of light?