Minimal Erythema Dose Testing Made Easy with Excimer Laser

Abstract

Phototherapy is one of the oldest therapeutic modalities for the treatment of generalized psoriasis. Optimal efficacy for phototherapy is based on achieving the minimal erythema dose (MED) as quickly as possible. MED testing on every patient would be ideal to determine each individual's most effective dose. Previous methods of determining MED are cumbersome; however, the excimer laser has made MED determination easy. The excimer laser is not only a treatment modality in itself, but it can also be used to provide the clinician with a quick and easy way of determining each individual patient's MED. In this way, the laser can also significantly enhance efficacy for patients undergoing traditional narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy.