RESUMEN
This study compared two dose-escalation regimens using the 308 nm excimer laser treating localised plaque psoriasis, to determine the optimal regimen. A randomised, left-right body trial was designed including patients aged >18 years with localised plaque psoriasis (<10% body surface area). The standard/low dose regimen started at 70% of the minimal erythema dose (MED), with 20% dose increments. The medium dose regimen commenced at 200% MED, with 25% increments. Patients were treated until disease clearance or a maximum of 36 treatments. Fifteen patients aged 28-55 years completed the study. Psoriasis severity index scores analysed at weeks 0, 6 and 12 showed a significant reduction with each regimen (p < 0.0001). Six patients cleared, seven had significant improvement with uneven clearance of plaques and two failed. Average remission was four months (range 1-12 months). There was a significant reduction in DLQI (p = 0.014). Excimer laser improved psoriasis and reduced DLQI scores, but clearance was incomplete for many patients and remission was short-lived. Adverse effects of pain and blistering were commoner with the medium dose regimen, without any benefit in psoriasis clearance.