308-nm Excimer Lamp Research Articles

Nuvance Health/Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, NY

Introduction: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a form of cutaneous T cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that presents as patches in early stages of the disease that can progress into thick plaques and eventually leukemia in later stages. Treatments currently focus on symptom repertoire, as well as disease stage. However, patch stage MF has been shown to be more responsive to phototherapy than plaque stage MF. This report aims to expand the literature regarding the efficacy and safety of early-stage MF treatment with 308-nm excimer lamp. Case Report: A 55-year-old African American woman presented to a private dermatologic practice with a 1-year history of pruritic hyperpigmented patches involving the right and left medial scapular back that was confirmed as patch stage MF via biopsy. Initial treatment consisted of 308-nm excimer lamp phototherapy at a dose of 150MED to the affected area which was gradually increased to a range of 160MED to 190MED over the next 18 weeks at 1 to 3-week intervals. After treatment completion a shave biopsy was performed 5 weeks later which confirmed resolution of MF. Discussion: Excimer lamp phototherapy offers shorter therapy duration, targeted treatment, and low UV exposure. This report aims to demonstrate the potential use, safety, and efficacy of the 308-nm excimer lamp in the treatment of patch stage MF. The positive results observed in this report indicate a need for further research and assessment for the potential use of the 308-nm excimer lamp as a therapeutic for early-stage MF.

Comparing the efficacy of 308-nm light-emitting diode and 308-nm excimer lamp for treating vitiligo: A randomized controlled trial.

In previous studies, the 308-nm light-emitting diode (LED) has been proven safe and effective for treating vitiligo. However, direct comparisons between the 308-nm LED and 308-nm excimer lamp (308-nm MEL) for the treatment of vitiligo are lacking. To compare the efficacy of the 308-nm LED and 308-nm MEL for treating nonsegmental stable vitiligo. This randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 2018 and August 2023. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to either the 308-nm LED or the 308-nm MEL groups, both receiving 16 treatment sessions. Adverse events that occurred during the treatment were documented. In total, 269 stable vitiligo patches from 174 patients completed the study. A total of 131 lesions were included in the 308-nm LED group, and 138 lesions were included in the 308-nm MEL group. After 16 treatment sessions, 38.17% of the vitiligo patches in the 308-nm LED group achieved repigmentation of at least 50% versus 38.41% in the 308-nm MEL group. The two devices exhibited similar results in terms of efficacy for a repigmentation of at least 50% (p = .968). The incidence of adverse effects with the two phototherapy devices was comparable (p = .522). Treatment of vitiligo with the 308-nm LED had a similar efficacy rate to the 308-nm MEL, and the incidence of adverse effects was comparable between the two devices.

Efficacy and safety of 308-nm Excimer lamp combined with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment vs Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment as monotherapy in treating children with limited vitiligo: a randomized controlled trial

Objective This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of combining the 308-nm Excimer lamp with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, compared to Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment monotherapy, for treating pediatric vitiligo involving less than 10% of the body surface area. Methods Fifty pediatric patients with vitiligo were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A received Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily and Excimer light at 308-nm twice weekly, while Group B received Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment alone, administered twice daily. Repigmentation percentages were evaluated after 30, 90, and 180 days using the rule of nine. Results Group A exhibited a significant improvement in repigmentation, increasing from 10% after one month to 65% after six months. In contrast, Group B observed an increase from 10% to 30% over the same timeframe. The efficacy of the treatment was significantly higher in Group A at both the 3-month and 6-month follow-up points (p-value < .001). Moreover, Group A achieved notably higher repigmentation rates in the face, trunk, and lower limbs. Conclusion The combination of Tacrolimus and the 308-nm excimer lamp yielded superior repigmentation results compared to Tacrolimus monotherapy in pediatric vitiligo patients. This combined approach may offer an effective new treatment protocol for pediatric vitiligo.

400 308-nm excimer lamp ameliorates MC-903 induced atopic dermatitis with a reduction of thymic stromal lymphopoietin mRNA levels

Purpose Narrow band-ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) is efficacious for atopic dermatitis (AD). However, its detailed mechanism remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this study is to explore an in vivo-effect of NB-UVB on AD, utilizing MC903-induced AD model mice. Method To induce AD-like dermatitis, MC903, a vitamin D3 analogue, was applied on the shaved dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice once a day for twelve days. Mice were irradiated with a 308-nm excimer lamp at 100 mJ/cm2 once every other day from days 0 to 10.

Australian experience and practical approach to the 308-nm excimer light therapy in dermatology.

The monochromatic excimer light therapy (308-nm excimer laser and lamp) is used to treat focal dermatoses with inflammation or hypopigmentation. In Australia, despite excimer light therapy being a proven effective treatment for many cutaneous conditions, barriers such as access and affordability provide considerable limitations to patients. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the different applications of excimer light therapy in treating dermatologic conditions within the Australian setting and provide practical information for its use.

308-nm excimer lamp with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is safe and effective to treat children with non-segmental vitiligo.

A 308-nm excimer lamp combined with topical medicines has been used to treat vitiligo. However, few studies have evaluated its efficacy and influencing factors in children. We investigated the clinical effects and factors influencing the effectiveness of a 308-nm excimer lamp combined with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment in treating children with non-segmental vitiligo. A retrospective interventional case-series study was performed on 73 patients with non-segmental vitiligo treated with combination therapy. The duration of treatment ranged from 1 to 24 months, and the total number of treatments ranged from 4 to 78 sessions. We evaluated different treatment factors, including the number of treatments with a 308-nm excimer lamp, location, dose, disease course, and adverse reactions. Overall, 105 leukodermas were treated: 36.2% had disappeared completely. The efficiency rate was 81.9% after a median treatment duration of 10.5 months. The treatment was most effective for the face and neck. Patients with a short disease duration showed a better response (disease duration shorter than 12 months). Reported adverse reactions were mild. Treatment using a 308-nm excimer lamp and 0.03% tacrolimus ointment is a safe and valuable treatment for children with non-segmental vitiligo.

28533 Vitiligo following intense pulsed light (IPL) for hair removal in the face and axilla

Vitiligo is a pigment disorder of the skin, affecting approximately 1% of the world population, characterized by areas of depigmentation, evidenced by circumscribed white maculae. Different factors could affect the induction and progression of vitiligo such as emotional shock, stress, sunburn, and trauma. The Koebner phenomenon is the appearance of new lesions on previously unaffected skin secondary to trauma. The treatment for vitiligo is challenging and includes different methods for control of the disease and repigmentation. The intense pulsed light (IPL) devices have a broad spectrum, emitting varying wavelengths in the skin, usually generating local heat. Among other conditions, it is also used for hair removal. I present a 30-year woman, with no previous personal or family history of vitiligo, who developed depigmented areas in the frontal region and both axillas, following the second session with IPL for hair removal. Based on clinical aspects and Wood’s lamp examination, diagnosis as vitiligo was made. She was treated with 308-nm monochromatic excimer lamp (MEL) in association with topical tacrolimus. Dermatologists should be aware of this possible adverse effect of ILP and start early vitiligo treatment.

308-nm Excimer Lamp vs. Combination of 308-nm Excimer Lamp and 10% Liquor Carbonis Detergens in Patients With Scalp Psoriasis: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Controlled Trial

Background: Scalp psoriasis is usually refractory to treatment. Excimer devices have been proved to be a promising therapeutic option in psoriasis. Greater efficacy of phototherapy can be achieved by concurrent use of coal tar derivatives.Objective: We aimed to compare efficacy and safety between 308-nm excimer lamp monotherapy and a combination of 308-nm excimer lamp and 10% liquor carbonis detergens in the treatment of scalp psoriasis.Methods: In this randomized, evaluator-blinded, prospective, comparative study, 30 patients with scalp psoriasis received either 308-nm excimer lamp monotherapy or a combination of 308-nm excimer lamp and 10% liquor carbonis detergens twice per week until complete remission of the scalp or for a total of 30 sessions. Efficacy was evaluated by the improvement of Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) score, itch score, and Scalpdex score.Results: Both treatments induced significant improvement in PSSI score with greater reduction observed in the combination group. At 30th visit, a 75% reduction in PSSI (PSSI75) was attained by 4 (28.6%) and 9 (69.2%) patients treated with monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Excimer lamp is well-tolerated in patients with scalp psoriasis and liquor carbonis detergens can be used as a combination therapy to improve the efficacy of excimer lamp.

The effect of Xiaobi decoction on minimal erythema dose of irradiation with 308 nm excimer lamp in guinea pigs.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The main clinical manifestation of this complex condition is scaly erythema. Excimer 308-nm light can be used to selectively and safely treat skin lesions. In clinical practice, the combination of Xiaobi decoction combined with 308-nm excimer light therapy has been found to have a beneficial effect on advanced psoriasis vulgaris. However, the effect of Xiaobi decoction on light sensitivity in psoriasis patients has not been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to observe the effect of Xiaobi decoction on the minimal erythema dose (MED) value in guinea pigs. Eighty guinea pigs were divided into a Xiaobi decoction group and a control group according to the serial number: guinea pigs with odd numbers were assigned into the Xiaobi decoction group, and those with even numbers were assigned into the control group. The Xiaobi decoction group was administrated Xiaobi decoction by gastric lavage, while the control group was given distilled water by gastric lavage. The back skin of the guinea pigs in the two groups was irradiated with a 308-nm excimer lamp before gavaging, and after 10, 20, and 30 days of gavaging. The MED values 24 hours after irradiation were recorded. The average MED in the Xiaobi decoction group was (800±126.5) mJ/cm2, compared with (780±107.7) mJ/cm2 in the control group, and the difference was not significant (P>0.05). After 10 days, 20 days, and 30 days of gavaging, the MED values of the guinea pigs in the Xiaobi decoction group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). Blood tests showed that the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (164.5±25.7 vs. 145.3±27.4, P=0.002) and interleukin-23 (1.8±0.7 vs. 1.5±0.5, P=0.030) were significantly lower in the Xiaobi decoction group than in the control group. Xiaobi decoction can reduce the MED value of guinea pigs, and increase the sensitivity of skin lesions to 308-nm excimer light and the amount of light absorbed by skin lesions. These results may represent the mechanisms of action of Xiaobi decoction in the treatment of psoriasis.

Effectiveness of a combined 308-nm excimer lamp and topical mid-potent steroid treatment for facial vitiligo: a preliminary, randomized double-blinded controlled study.

Facial vitiligo has considerable psychological and emotional impacts. Though topical corticosteroids are the mainstay treatment, adverse reactions are a concern for prolonged use. Additionally, 308-nm excimer lamps have been widely used in vitiligo. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a combined 308-nm excimer lamp and topical steroid therapy compared with the lamp alone for treating facial vitiligo. Symmetrical, nonsegmental facial vitiligo subjects were recruited. All facial lesions were irradiated with a 308-nm excimer lamp twice weekly for a total of 24 sessions. The lesions on each side of the face were randomly allocated to have topical mometasone furoate cream or the cream base alone applied once daily for 12weeks. Clinical improvement was evaluated by a blinded dermatologist and the participants. A total of sixteen sides of the face were assessed in the study. By the 12th week, 87.5% of the lesions treated with the combination regimen and 50% of the lesions treated with monotherapy showed good to excellent repigmentation. From the subjects' perspectives, there were significant differences between both treatments at week 4 and week 8 (p = 0.05) but not at week 12. No serious adverse effects were reported. A combination of excimer lamp therapy and once-daily application of topical mometasone cream was effective and could accelerate the treatment outcomes without serious adverse reactions. This may be an alternative regimen for treating facial vitiligo.

Electrocautery Needling and the 308-nm Excimer Lamp: A Synergistic Combination for the Treatment of Stable Non-segmental Vitiligo.

IntroductionVitiligo is an acquired chronic depigmentation disorder caused by the destruction of melanocytes. Although various treatments have been proposed for the management of vitiligo, achieving repigmentation and preventing relapse remains challenging. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of electrocautery needling (EC needling) as a treatment for stable non-segmental vitiligo and to determine if the effectiveness of this treatment could be enhanced by combining it with the 308-nm excimer lamp (excimer lamp).MethodsThirty patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo were enrolled in this self-controlled, non-blinded study. Three vitiligo lesions of similar size, location and disease duration were selected from each patient and randomly assigned to one of three groups treated weekly with EC needling, an excimer lamp or a combination of both (combination group), respectively. The effectiveness of treatment on the repigmentation percentage and the number of treatments required for initial pigmentation were assessed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the repigmentation percentage between the EC needling group and the excimer lamp group (P = 0.789). The mean number of treatments required for initial repigmentation was lower in the EC needling group than in the excimer lamp group (P = 0.049). The repigmentation percentage was significantly higher in the combination group than in the EC needling group (P = 0.027) and excimer lamp group (P = 0.005). Evidence of initial pigmentation was obtained earlier in lesions treated with the combination therapy than in lesions treated with excimer lamp therapy alone (P = 0.019). Vitiligo lesions on the face and neck regions showed the highest repigmentation percentage among all anatomical regions, whereas lesions on the hands and feet showed the worst treatment response.ConclusionElectrocautery needling monotherapy was effective in treating vitiligo, and its efficacy was enhanced when combined with the 308-nm excimer lamp. This combined approach to treat vitiligo is safe and helps increase patient compliance.

Efficacy and Influence Factors of 308‐nm Excimer Lamp with Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by T cell-mediated attack on the hair follicle. Although there are a wide range of therapies, the majority of them are not satisfactory due to side effects or limited efficacy. In this study, we sought to evaluate the efficacy, influence factors, and safety of 308-nm excimer lamp with minoxidil in the treatment of AA. This was a prospective, single-blinded, self-control study, using 308-nm excimer lamp with minoxidil for the treatment of AA. One selected alopecia lesion was divided into the control and treated side. Topical minoxidil (2% solution) was used on both sides, but 308-nm excimer lamp was only added to the treated side. The primary endpoint was the discrepancy of hair growth on each side. A total of 38 patients (24 males and 14 females) with AA were enrolled in this study, and 34 of them (21 males and 13 females) completed the whole treatment. Thirty-two (94.2%) patients achieved clinical response, and 21 (44.1%) patients achieved with >50% hair regrowth on the treated side after a 12-week treatment. The hair number and diameter on the treated side had significantly increased compared with the control side with statistical differences. Hyperpigmentation and erythema occurred on the treated side of all the patients but they were considered tolerable. Patients of younger age or with smaller area of lesion had better effect. The 308-nm excimer lamp with minoxidil therapy can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for single or multiple AA. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Meta-analysis of 308-nm excimer laser therapy for alopecia areata

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that can result in spontaneous hair loss. Currently, there is no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment, however new treatments are being investigated. Excimer laser and excimer lamp treatment have been suggested and have the benefit of mild/few adverse effects. Methods: A literature search and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the efficacy of the excimer laser and lamp for treatment of AA. Results: No controlled trials were found which utilized the 308-nm excimer lamp. Four controlled trials (N = 105) testing the efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser were identified. When laser treatment was compared to control measured through the number of responders to treatment, the standardized mean difference was 18.37 (95% CI: 3.28, 102.77) in favor of treatment (p < .0009, I 2 = 36%). Conclusion: Our results suggest that use of the 308-nm excimer laser can be effective in AA therapy however more studies are required observing both the 308-nm excimer laser and lamp.

308-nm excimer lamp vs. combination of 308-nm excimer lamp and 10% liquor carbonis detergens in patients with scalp psoriasis: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial

308-nm excimer lamp vs. combination of 308-nm excimer lamp and 10% liquor carbonis detergens in patients with scalp psoriasis: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of 308-nm Monochromatic Excimer Lamp in the Treatment of Resistant Alopecia Areata.

Context:Treatment of resistant alopecia areata (AA) can be very challenging and include many options with variable efficacy and safety profiles. The 308-nm excimer lamp has been claimed to offer an effective alternative without significant risks, though there exists a lack of guidelines in this setting.Aims:This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the 308-nm excimer lamp in treating resistant AA in Iraqi patients.Settings and Design:A prospective interventional study.Subjects and Methods:Eighteen patients with multiple AA were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with a 308-nm monochromatic excimer lamp, in two sessions per week for 12 weeks. The efficacy of this modality was evaluated using two methods, namely the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score and digital photographs which were taken at four points (baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks). The safety of the equipment was evaluated by the objective recording of adverse reactions and patient satisfaction. Follow-up continued for 6 months after treatment to assess the level of recurrence.Statistical Analysis Used:SPSS software version 23.Results:There was a statistically significant decrease in the SALT score from the baseline (range 11–30; mean 20.33 ± standard deviation [SD] 4.78) to 12 weeks (range 2–24; mean 9.11 ± SD 5.41) (P < 0.001). The overall response rate was 100%, and successful (>50%) regrowth of hair was seen in 55.5% of patients (n = 10). Younger patients responded to the treatment more than the older age group (P < 0.05). No significant side effects were recorded.Conclusions:The results suggest that 308-nm excimer light has a significant effect on resistant cases of multiple AA, with considerable safety and tolerability.

Successful Treatment of Refractory Vitiligo with a Combination of Khellin and 308-nm Excimer Lamp: An Open-Label, 1-Year Prospective Study.

IntroductionPhototherapy is the cornerstone of treatment of vitiligo. The 308-nm excimer lamp (EL) induces T cell apoptosis and the stimulation of melanocyte proliferation. Khellin is a furanochromone with a chemical structure close to psoralens. The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 1-year treatment of recalcitrant vitiligo with a combination of 308-nm EL and khellin.MethodsTwenty patients with resistant vitiligo were included. Khellin was applied 45 min before irradiation with EL, twice a week, at a dose of 250 mJ/cm2. The repigmentation was assessed in four categories: excellent repigmentation (ER) (> 75% repigmentation), good repigmentation (GR) (50–75% repigmentation), moderate repigmentation (MR) (25–50% repigmentation), and poor repigmentation (PR) (< 25% repigmentation).ResultsAn ER was observed in 45% of patients (9/20), 5/20 (25%) achieved a GR, 3/20 (15%) an MR, and 3/20 (15%) a PR. Better response was observed on the face, neck, upper limb, hands, and abdomen. The mean number of procedures was 54.1 and the mean cumulative dose was 2967.5 mJ/cm2. Six months after the last session no recurrences were observed.ConclusionThe combination of 308-nm EL and khellin is a safe and effective treatment and represents a new alternative therapy for vitiligo. Further comparative controlled randomized investigations are needed to confirm these promising results with the appropriate therapeutic protocols.

Phototherapy for the Treatment of Vitiligo in Asian Children

Vitiligo is a common acquired progressive depigmenting condition that can have devastating psychological effects in dark-skinned patients. We performed a retrospective review of patients younger than 16 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of vitiligo treated using phototherapy at the National Skin Center, Singapore, over a 5-year period. Seventy-one Asian patients ages 5 to 15 years when they underwent phototherapy were identified. There was a higher proportion of Indian patients in our cohort than in the population. The duration of disease ranged from 2months to 12years. More than half of the patients had generalized vitiligo and more than one-third had segmental vitiligo. Patients with generalized vitiligo had a better response than those with segmental vitiligo. Reported response rates were highest for narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy, followed by targeted phototherapy combining ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) and UVB; 308-nm excimer lamp phototherapy and paint psoralen-UVA photochemotherapy had marginally lower reported response rates. The duration of treatment ranged from 3 to 40months and the total number of treatments ranged from 20 to 209 sessions. Reported side effects were mild and included itching, scaling, erythema, pain, sunburn, blistering, and phototoxicity. We consider phototherapy to be a safe and efficacious modality for the treatment of vitiligo in Asian children.

Excimer lamp as an effective alternative treatment for severe alopecia areata

Abstract The treatment response of alopecia areata (AA) is often unpredictable. The aim of this study was to report the efficacy of an excimer lamp in treating AA. Seventeen AA patients were included. The overall response rate was 41.1%, and the satisfactory response rate was 29.4%. In patients with severe AA, the response rate was 50%. The therapeutic effect of the excimer lamp was evident by internal control. The onset of improvement occurred after 2 months, and only mild side effects were noted. Our results suggest that the 308-nm excimer lamp is a safe alternative treatment for AA, including those with severe AA.

WITHDRAWN: Comparision between 308-nm excimer laser and 308-nm excimer lamp in the treatment of vitiligo - a randomized self control study.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

Comparison of the 308‐nm excimer laser with the 308‐nm excimer lamp in the treatment of vitiligo – a randomized bilateral comparison study

Vitiligo is an acquired pigment disorder characterized by areas of depigmented skin resulting from the loss of epidermal melanocytes. Recently, several investigations have documented the benefits of excimer phototherapy (e.g., using the 308-nm excimer laser or the 308-nm excimer lamp) for the treatment of vitiligo. To compare the effectiveness of the 308-nm excimer laser with the 308-nm excimer lamp in the treatment of vitiligo patients. This intervention study was designed as a randomized self-control trial. Fourteen subjects with 48 symmetrical vitiligo lesions were enrolled in this study. One lesion was treated with the 308-nm excimer laser, and its counterpart was treated with the 308-nm excimer lamp. Lesions were treated three times a week with the same dose on both sides for a total of 20 sessions. All of the patients completed the study, and 48 lesions were treated. The two treatments exhibited similar results in terms of repigmentation. The 308-nm excimer lamp and the 308-nm excimer laser exhibited similar efficacies in treating vitiligo.