Comparison between the Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) versus Photodynamic Therapy with Methylene Blue in the Treatment of Nail Psoriasis

Abstract

Background Nail psoriasis is often refractory to traditional treatments, and patients with nail psoriasis usually demand a therapeutic option. Both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intense pulsed light have been evaluated in nail psoriasis. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of IPL and methylene blue assisted photodynamic therapy in the treatment of nail psoriasis. Patients and Methods Twenty patients (15 males and 5 females) with mild to moderate psoriasis with nail affection were included in this study. Their age ranged from 24 to 71 years. The PDT used IPL as the light source and methylene blue as photosensitizer. Sessions were applied every 2 weeks for a maximum of 3 months, treating one hand with IPL and the other with PDT. The nails treated were evaluated at baseline, after 2 sessions, after 6 sessions and 3 months after the last treatment session according to the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) score. Follow-up was performed after 2 sessions, after 6 sessions, and 3 months after the last treatment session. Results A decrease in NAPSI score was observed with both treatments and in both nail bed and nail matrix involvement. No statistically significant difference was found between PDT and IPL as regarding total NPASI score. However, total NAPSI score improved by 61% in MB-PDT group versus 47% in IPL group. Patient follow-up revealed the appearance of new lesions in 3 patients in the group of IPL, and in 1 patient in the MB-PDT after 6 months. Conclusion Intense pulsed light and methylene blue assisted PDT are a promising effective modalities of treatment of nail psoriasis, which are easy to use, safe, and nearly pain-free. This was confirmed by the improvement NAPSI score.