Pendulaser carbon dioxide resurfacing laser versus electrodesiccation with curettage in the treatment of isolated, recalcitrant psoriatic plaques.

Abstract

Treatment of recalcitrant psoriatic plaques located on certain areas of the body remains problematic despite the many therapeutic options available. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Pendulaser carbon dioxide (CO(2)) resurfacing laser to that of electrodesiccation with curettage in the treatment of recalcitrant psoriatic plaques. A single psoriatic plaque was divided into thirds, one part treated with CO(2) resurfacing laser, another with electrodesiccation and curettage, and the third left untreated. The psoriatic epidermis and papillary dermis were removed by the two treatment modalities. CO(2) resurfacing laser and electrodesiccation with curettage produced similar therapeutic effects in terms of improvement of psoriasis and were significantly better than the control 4 months later, but not at 6 months. For limited recalcitrant psoriatic plaques, CO(2) resurfacing laser and electrodesiccation with curettage may provide an alternative short-term treatment; however, caution must be exercised and the moderately high risk of scarring carefully weighed against the potential benefits.