Follow-up survey of 308-nm laser treatment of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: UVB treatment with a 308-nm excimer laser is a new treatment modality for localized psoriasis. The purpose of this study is to assess patients' impressions and satisfaction with 308-nm laser treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Telephone survey data were obtained from patients after participation in a case series study of 124 patients with mild to moderate psoriasis treated with 308-nm UVB laser treatment for a target plaque and other lesions. The survey included information on changes in the target plaque, remission time, changes in other areas of psoriasis, satisfaction with the result, side effects of treatment, and efficacy relative to other treatments. RESULTS: Patients (55% of total) reported overall satisfaction with the treatments, and 63% of patients thought they needed additional laser treatments, including for maintenance. Subjects (25%) reported that the laser treatments were better than any other treatment they had tried. Adverse effects were mild and had either disappeared or were significantly decreased in 86% of patients. Self reported length of remission compared favorably to those for other therapies for localized disease. CONCLUSIONS: UVB laser treatments provide a well-tolerated means to clear psoriasis plaques. The treatment provides a high level of patient satisfaction.

Keeping a watch on melanoma.

When performing a total body skin examination, we discovered a melanoma in situ when a patient took off her wristwatch. This case illustrates the importance of removing jewelry when performing a complete skin examination. Furthermore, the location of this lesion highlights the association between malignant melanoma and intermittent sun exposure.