Long-Pulsed Nd: YAG Laser Treatment for Nail Psoriasis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which lesions display angiogenesis and increased vascularity. OBJECTIVE: The long-pulsed 1,064-nm neodymiumyttrium-aluminum-garnet (NdYAG) laser treats vascular lesions which suggests that it might also be used to treat nail psoriasis. METHODS: Sixteen patients (10 males and 6 females) with isolated nail psoriasis or nail with only mild cutaneous involvement were enrolled in the study. Nails were treated for 3 sessions with long-pulsed 1,064-nm NdYAG laser once monthly. During the course of the treatment, nail bed and matrix Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) scores were recorded. RESULTS: The mean baseline NAPSI score was 26 ± 7.2. The means of total NAPSI scores after the first, second, and third treatment sessions were as follows 22 ± 6.6, 13 ± 6, and 5.7 ± 4.3, respectively. The decline in NAPSI score was statistically significant. At the end of the 3 treatment sessions, both nail bed and matrix lesions significantly responded to NdYAG laser treatment. CONCLUSION: The NdYAG laser is a promising treatment option for nail psoriasis.