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Phototherapy is broadly utilized for treatment of inflammatory skin conditions affecting pediatric patients. However, there are no specific guidelines or recommendations for implementing phototherapy in pediatric populations leading to variability in treatment procedures. Here, we present findings from a cross-sectional, survey-based study investigating the implementation of phototherapy in pediatric patients across the United States. A total of 39 sites from 19 different states identified via the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) Health Care Provider Directory responded. Common practices included a signed informed consent prior to performing phototherapy (86.4%, n = 32), no minimum age requirement for pediatric patients (91.8%, n = 34), the use of Fitzpatrick skin type to determine dosing protocol (100%, n = 37), and allowing parents to accompany their children into the lightbox (65%, n = 20). Our results provide insights into current common practices and themes for further study., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Traditionally, treatment with the excimer laser requires determining the minimal erythema dose on healthy skin or using plaque-based induration; however, these protocols often lead to underdosing of psoriatic plaques and reduced treatment efficacy. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the effect of the excimer laser on plaque psoriasis using an optimal therapeutic dose (OTD) protocol. Methods: Subjects with stable plaque psoriasis were tested with the Multi-Microdose (MMD) tip on the XTRAC excimer laser to determine a minimum blistering dose (MBD). Treatment was then initiated at 20% less than the MBD. A single psoriatic lesion was treated once weekly for up to 11 sessions. The change from baseline of the target lesion's modified psoriasis area severity index (mPASI), quality of life and safety were evaluated. Results: Thirteen subjects with a mean age of 48.9±14.9 years and Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV participated in the study. Target plaque mPASI significantly decreased at all time points relative to baseline with significant improvement by the second treatment. Patients reached mPASI-75 within 5±2 sessions. By the end of the study 92% of patients achieved mPASI-75. On average, patients maintained an mPASI score ≥50% for 60 days. Treatment was well tolerated with no erosions or hyperpigmentation. Erythema was the most common adverse event. Conclusion: The OTDTM protocol with the MMD® tip allows determining the optimal dose locally on the psoriatic plaque itself. Consequently, ineffectual dosing levels and treatments are minimized. The OTD protocol reduces treatment frequency from 2-3 times per week to once weekly. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(4):349-354. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4891.

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common photodermatosis characterized by pruritic papules and papulovesicles, which appear hours to days following ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Herein, the authors report successful treatment of generalized plaque psoriasis with Goeckerman regimen in a patient despite new onset iatrogenic PMLE following narrowband (NB) UVB therapy. Although further studies are necessary, this case suggests that the co-existence of psoriasis and PMLE should not prevent the use of phototherapy; phototherapy, especially as part of the Goeckerman regimen, remains a valuable treatment option for psoriasis in patients with PMLE.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by thickened red plaques covered with silvery scales. Excimer laser therapy is a cutting-edge advancement in UVB phototherapy. In contrast to traditional phototherapy, the 308 nm excimer laser only targets psoriasis plaques, while it spares uninvolved skin. It allows for treatment with a supra-erythmogenic dose of UVB irradiation. Targeted UVB therapy is a possible treatment especially for many who have failed topical treatments, systemic therapy, and traditional phototherapy. For safe and effective psoriasis treatment, a combination of therapies may be used, including a combination of laser treatment with topical medications. We present two cases demonstrating effective treatment with excimer laser in conjunction with clobetasol spray and calcitriol ointment for 12 weeks. Long-term near-clearance of psoriasis was sustained after 6 months and one-year follow up periods without further therapy.