Search

Background/Aim: Quantifying percutaneous absorption of topical drugs as well as those compounds relevant to occupational exposure is important for assessing delivery, efficacy and toxicology. Methods for assessing absorption are established for intact skin; however, what may be equally relevant is how much absorption occurs through damaged skin. Methods: The Embase database was accessed online in March 2009 in search of human in vitro studies measuring absorption through damaged or diseased skin. Results: Few studies have measured absorption through damaged human skin in vitro but those that have demonstrate a modest but clear enhancement in absorption with enhancement favoring hydrophilic molecules. Conclusions: Damaged or diseased skin may display a modest increase in absorption compared to intact skin; however, more studies with consistent methods and correlations to in vivo data are needed to fully elucidate how much absorption occurs through damaged skin. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The 308-nm excimer laser is a recent development in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, palmoplantar psoriasis, and psoriasis of the scalp. The XeCl excimer emits a 308-nm wavelength beam of light that is monochromatic and coherent. These properties allow selectivity when used as phototherapy against a psoriatic lesion while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. Objective In this manuscript, we review recent updates on the efficacy of excimer and its most recent trials in psoriasis. Methods A review of the medical literature in Pubmed database was performed using the terms ‘psoriasis’ and ‘308 nm excimer laser’. All trials to date that studied the 308-nm excimer including those that compared the excimer with other modalities were included. Results Eighteen trials show positive results surrounding the efficacy of the excimer. Selectivity of the 308-nm excimer, when compared with non-selective narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy allows one to adjust the fluency to the lesion. The excimer may also stand superior to NB-UVB in its efficacy of mechanism. Conclusion Excimer is a useful and effective treatment for psoriasis that may be used as a compliment to topical medications as well as NB-UVB. However, large randomized trials with long-term follow-up are needed to further support this. Conflicts of interest None declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]