021 UVB emitting fiber optic hair brush for the treatment of scalp psoriasis

Abstract

This work-in-progress evaluates the efficacy of a unique UVB fiber optic comb device for treating scalp psoriasis. Informed consent was obtained on 11 enrolled patients. One scalp psoriasis plaque was left as a control, while another was selected for treatment. An MED was performed on the lower back or gluteal skin to determine the subject's baseline sensitivity to the comb device. On the selected sit, mineral oil was first applied with a soaked gauze to enhance UV delivery and the first treatment was at 1 MED. Subsequent treatments were thrice weekly at 72 h intervals with maximum increments of 20% per treatment. Treatments ended after 12 weeks or when clearing occurred, whichever came first. Clinical evaluation and standardized photographs were taken at baseline and every 2 weeks thereafter. Results  On average, patients have received 24 treatments (range: 2–36). At baseline, PASI scores for the treated and control sides did not differ significantly (mean difference: 0.4, P= 0.1106). Improvement scores, calculated by subtracting the most recent PASI score from the baseline value, were higher for the treated sides (3.9 vs. 0.3, P = 0.0002). Three patients showed worsening in the control area. Ten of the 11 patients showed improvement in the treated area; none experienced worsening of symptoms. Conclusions  The fiber optic brush offers an exciting potential for treating scalp psoriasis.