Efficacy of combined fractional carbon dioxide laser and topical tazarotene in nail psoriasis treatment: A randomized intrapatient left-to-right study

BACKGROUND

Treatment of nail psoriasis is disappointing; due to poor penetrability of topical therapies and variable efficacy of systemic therapies. Fractional carbon dioxide laser (FCL) may enhance penetration of topical therapy for nail psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of FCL plus topical tazarotene versus tazarotene monotherapy in the treatment of nail psoriasis.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with bilateral fingernail psoriasis randomly received 3 sessions of FCL at four-week interval plus once-daily tazarotene 0.1% gel for one hand, and once-daily tazarotene 0.1% gel only for 3 months on the other hand. The primary outcome was modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) at 3 and 6 months compared to baseline, and the secondary outcomes included dermoscopic examination and patient global assessment. Adverse events were reported.

RESULTS

The total, nail matrix, and nail bed mNAPSI scores were significantly improved at 3 and 6 months by both regimens, but they decreased more after FCL/tazarotene combination (p = 0.001, p = 0.023, and p = 0.001, respectively). Combination therapy showed faster improvement of nail matrix signs and greater efficacy for nail bed signs. The dermoscopic features of the nail plate were the most responsive after both treatments. The combined therapy was more effective in improving the dermoscopic nail bed features. Patient's global assessment scores were significantly higher after the combined therapy. Both treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Fractional CO₂  laser is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for nail psoriasis; it improves the outcomes of topical tazarotene especially in nail bed lesions.

Intralesional triamcinolone injections for the treatment of nail dystrophy: A case series

Nail dystrophy can be temporary or permanent and affects quality of life for many patients. It can be secondary to an inflammatory condition; however, many cases are idiopathic. Despite many efforts, there is no promising treatment. Local steroid injection is one of the standard therapies offered for nail dystrophy, but there have been few formal open trials or case reports of its efficacy. This study investigated the impact of intralesional triamcinolone injections on the management and safety of nail dystrophy. Overall, 12 patients with 55 nails affected by nail dystrophy were enrolled. All lesions were injected with triamcinolone acetonide (2.5 mg/mL, 0.1 cc) through the proximal nail fold with a 30 g needle. Injections were administered every 4 weeks. Efficacy was retrospectively evaluated using physician's global assessment of clinical photographs graded on a 5-point scale as 0, no improvement; 1, slight improvement; 2, moderate improvement; 3, marked improvement; and 4, almost resolved. All adverse events that occurred during treatment were recorded. All patients presented with slight improvement of nail dystrophy after 1 to 3 months. The treatment durations varied from 6 to 12 months (mean, 8.58 months). The average time to observed therapeutic effect was 1.91 months after first treatment. The mean outcome assessment score was 2.8 points, with two patients each showing slight and moderate improvement and five showing marked improvement; in three, the dystrophy was almost resolved. Side effects of this regimen were minimal. Intralesional triamcinolone injections are an effective and safe method for the treatment of nail dystrophy.

Combined Non-Ablative Laser and Microfat Grafting for Burn Scar Treatment

BACKGROUND

Burn scar treatment persists as an unsolved problem, involving thousands of affected patients disfigured for life.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to present our experience with the use of combined treatments for patients with burn scars.

METHODS

This was a case series report of the senior author's experience during 8 years utilizing the combined treatments of Fraxel Restore (fractional laser) and microfat graft injection for 288 patients with burn scars.

RESULTS

Laser treatment reduced scar intensity and attenuated skin irregularities and hyperpigmentation. All patients demonstrated marked improvement of skin texture and an increase in scar softness after 3 sessions of microfat grafting. However, the degree of improvement varied between patients and was related to the severity of the scar and the type of tissue. Overall, a 40% to 80% improvement was noted in our patients. All patients and their families expressed satisfaction with the results.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined treatment of Fraxel and microfat grafting is an effective technique for improving the appearance of a hypertrophic scar or keloid on burn patients. Fat tissue stem cells may have helped to repair the damaged skin.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Laser in the management of burn scars

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Burn scars are associated with significant morbidity ranging from contractures, pruritus, and disfigurement to psychosocial impairment. Traditional therapies include silicone gel, compression garments, corticosteroid injections, massage therapy, and surgical procedures, however, newer and advanced therapies for the treatment of burn scars have been developed. Lasers, specifically ablative fractional lasers, show potential for the treatment of burn scars.

METHODS

Both MeSH and keyword searches of the PubMed, Medline and Embase databases were performed and relevant articles were read in full for the compilation of this review.

RESULTS

Fifty-one relevant observational studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews published in English from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed and summarized.

CONCLUSION

Laser therapy is effective for the treatment of burn scar appearance, including measures such as pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, and thickness. Ablative fractional laser therapy, in particular, shows significant potential for the release of contractures allowing for improved range of motion of affected joints. Patients may benefit from the use of lasers in the treatment of burn scars, and the safety profile of lasers allows the benefits of treatment to outweigh the risks. Laser therapy should be included in burn scar treatment protocols as an adjuvant therapy to traditional interventions.