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Psoriasis response to the pulsed dye laser
A M Ros1, J M Garden, A D Bakus
1Department of Dermatology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Pulsed dye laser therapy shows promise for treating plaque psoriasis by targeting abnormal blood vessels. This preliminary study suggests a link between the microvasculature and psoriasis, with laser treatment improving symptoms in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Vascular Biology
- Laser Therapeutics
Background:
- Psoriasis features enlarged and dilated blood vessels (psoriatic microvasculature) implicated in its pathogenesis.
- The role of abnormal vasculature in psoriasis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of flash-lamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (PDL) for plaque psoriasis.
- To evaluate the role of the psoriatic microvasculature in the treatment response to PDL therapy.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with plaque psoriasis received PDL treatment on affected lesions.
- Treatments were administered one to three times, with lesional response assessed using scales for erythema, scaling, and infiltration.
- Histopathological analysis was performed immediately and one week post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Six out of ten patients showed a beneficial clinical response to PDL therapy.
- Psoriasis severity scores significantly decreased in treated patients compared to controls.
- Histopathology revealed no immediate epidermal damage, with evidence of epidermal regeneration and resolution of psoriatic signs one week post-therapy.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed dye laser therapy may be an effective treatment for plaque psoriasis.
- The therapeutic benefits observed suggest that the microvasculature plays a significant role in psoriasis pathogenesis and treatment response.