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Efficacy of Nonablative Bipolar Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Fingernail Psoriasis
Mohamed Ahmed Salem El-Basiony1, Mohamed Hussein Medhat El-Komy2, Nevien Ahmed Samy3
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt.
Background:
Psoriasis is a common chronic systemic disease affecting the skin, nails, and joints. Nails are commonly associated with a greater severity of the disease. Radiofrequency (RF) is a nonionizing radiation that provides energy originating from electric current to generate heat inside the dermis with anti-inflammatory effects.
Objective:
To assess the efficacy of nonablative bipolar radiofrequency in treating fingernail psoriasis.
Methods:
Forty-three affected fingernails were treated with nonablative bipolar RF. Sessions were performed every 2 weeks for 2 months, with a maximum of 5 sessions. The 32-point target nail psoriasis severity index (tNAPSI), ultrasonography, and the physicians' global assessment were used for assessment at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months from the last treatment session.
Results:
One month after the last RF session, a significant reduction in median tNAPSI score from baseline was recorded ( p = .002), with a 58.33% reduction in pit count. The median thickness of subungual hyperkeratosis decreased significantly from baseline ( p = .024), and the median score of onycholysis was also significantly reduced ( p = .005). Ultrasonography revealed a significant reduction in the median nail matrix, bed thickness, and nail vascularity ( p = .020, p < .001, and p = .013, respectively).
Conclusion:
Radiofrequency may offer a safe and effective treatment modality for fingernail psoriasis.
