Lasers and Light Devices for Psoriasis, Part 2: PDL, Nd:YAG Laser, CO2 Laser, and PDT

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition with high morbidity. Lasers are used exten­sively in dermatology to treat various conditions with proven efficacy and safety and have been investigated as alternatives for treating psoriasis due to side effects that can occur with long-term use of potent topical corticosteroids. Part 1 of this series reviewed the efficacy and safety of the 308-nm excimer laser, psoralen plus UVA, and narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) in the treatment of psoriasis. Part 2 evaluates a range of potential laser and light modalities that are being investigated as treat­ment options for psoriasis, including the pulsed dye laser (PDL), the 1064- and 1032-nm Nd:YAG lasers, the CO2 laser, and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Although some of these options have dem­onstrated inferior clinical and histologic results compared to topical therapies, many patients experi­ence refractory symptoms from psoriasis that could potentially benefit from nontraditional treatment approaches. Future application of these laser and light treatments may be in combination with established topical therapies to prolong remission times and effectively control recalcitrant cases.