Efficacy and safety of 308‐nm excimer lamp in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Scalp psoriasis is a major therapeutic challenge due to the hindrance caused by hair. Treatment with the 308-nm excimer lamp is purported to provide many benefits over conventional phototherapy. This retrospective study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and effective dosage of 308-nm excimer light in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with scalp psoriasis who received treatment with 308-nm excimer light. Clinical and epidemiological data as well as details regarding treatment were statistically analyzed to determine the treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty patients with scalp psoriasis were included in the study. Their mean age was 47.45 ± 17.93 years. Eleven patients responded to treatment at the end of 10 sessions. The median baseline Psoriatic Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) was 12 (range, 3-32). At the end of the protocol, the median PSSI was 4.5 (range, 0-24), indicating a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001). Common adverse effects included erythema, irritation, and desquamation. CONCLUSION: The 308-nm excimer light appears to be an effective and safe modality that requires short treatment time. The modality could be considered as an alternative or adjuvant treatment for scalp psoriasis.