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308-nm excimer laser: a hopeful and optional therapy for pityriasis versicolor
Fathia M Khattab1, Farida H Omran2
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Background:
Pityriasis Versicolor (PV) is known as a superficial fungal infection. It is suggested that resistant strains to azoles may be developed and hence, the treatment would be difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of excimer laser (308 nm) as an alternative therapy for PV.
Materials And Methods:
This is a prospective intra-patient left-to-right, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted on 26 patients with bilateral lesions which are not responding to the PV standard treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to right or left-side therapy for a duration of 8 weeks with either excimer laser (308 nm three times weekly) or topical placebo. Clinical assessment and mycological evaluation were performed before the initiation of treatment and at the fourth and eighth week of therapy.
Results:
A decrease in the mean clinical score of cases was recorded from 7.1 at the baseline evaluation to 1.56 after 4 weeks and to 1.96 after 8 weeks of treatment. At week 4, there was a statistically significant reduction in the clinical scores compared with pretreatment scores and with the placebo group (p < .001).
Conclusion:
308-nm excimer laser can be considered as a hopeful and optional therapy for PV.
Insights
Excimer laser (308 nm) therapy shows promise for treating Pityriasis Versicolor (PV), especially for azole-resistant cases. This study found significant clinical improvement in patients treated with the laser compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Dermatologic Surgery
- Phototherapy
Background:
- Pityriasis Versicolor (PV) is a superficial fungal infection.
- Azole-resistant strains of PV pose treatment challenges.
- Alternative therapies are needed for difficult-to-treat PV cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of 308-nm excimer laser as an alternative treatment for Pityriasis Versicolor.
- To compare excimer laser therapy with placebo for PV lesions unresponsive to standard treatment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, intra-patient study.
- 26 patients with bilateral PV lesions received 8 weeks of treatment.
- Treatment involved 308-nm excimer laser or topical placebo, three times weekly.
- Clinical and mycological assessments were performed at baseline, week 4, and week 8.
Main Results:
- Mean clinical score decreased from 7.1 at baseline to 1.56 at week 4 and 1.96 at week 8.
- Statistically significant reduction in clinical scores observed at week 4 compared to baseline and placebo (p < .001).
Conclusions:
- 308-nm excimer laser demonstrates efficacy as an optional therapy for Pityriasis Versicolor.
- Excimer laser offers a hopeful alternative for PV treatment, particularly for resistant cases.
