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CO2 laser resurfacing of psoriatic plaques: a pilot study
M B Alora1, R R Anderson, T R Quinn
1Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
|March 24, 1998
Summary
Superficial ablation of psoriatic plaques using carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers was generally ineffective, with most lesions recurring within 8 weeks. However, two patients experienced prolonged clearance, suggesting potential for future research.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Laser Medicine
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Psoriasis pathogenesis involves the epidermis and papillary dermis.
- Laser resurfacing offers precise tissue ablation.
- Recalcitrant psoriatic plaques present a treatment challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser ablation for isolated, recalcitrant psoriatic plaques.
- To determine if superficial ablation of epidermis and papillary dermis impacts psoriasis recurrence.
- To explore the potential of CO2 lasers in managing difficult-to-treat psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Twelve adult subjects with plaque-type psoriasis were enrolled.
- CO2 laser resurfacing (pulsed and scanned) was performed on psoriatic plaques.
- Some lesions underwent curettage prior to laser ablation.
Main Results:
- Complete ablation of epidermis and papillary dermis was achieved.
- Most treated psoriatic plaques recurred within 8 weeks.
- Two patients demonstrated no recurrence after 4 months.
Conclusions:
- Superficial CO2 laser ablation is generally ineffective for recalcitrant psoriatic plaques.
- The observed long-term clearance in two patients warrants further investigation.
- Future research may explore modified laser parameters or combination therapies for psoriasis treatment.