Broad-band UVB fiber-optic comb for the treatment of scalp psoriasis: a pilot study
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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Atul Taneja1, Ashley Racette, Zafirios Gourgouliatos
1Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Abstract Background Scalp psoriasis is a frustrating condition with limited treatment options. Our objective was to test a new fiber-optic broad-band UVB comb device for the treatment of this condition. Methods Scalp psoriasis on adult subjects was treated three times a week for up to 12 weeks with a fiber-optic UVB comb. A minimum 50-cm(2) scalp area served as the control. Starting doses were based on the standard minimal erythema dose (MED) with increments up to 20% for subsequent treatments. Results Fourteen subjects completed the study without sunburn reactions or blisters. Treated sites showed a mean improvement in the modified PASI score of 3.6. The difference in the mean modified PASI scores between the control and treated sites was 3.9 (< 0.0001). Conclusions This fiber-optic broad-band UVB comb can safely and effectively treat scalp psoriasis.
