Ablative CO₂-Assisted Laser for Topical Drug Delivery in Nail Psoriasis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Nail psoriasis poses challenges for effective treatment, and topical drug delivery through the nail plate is limited. A novel approach to address this challenge involves the use of ablative fractional laser as a pretreatment strategy to enhance topical drug delivery for nail psoriasis. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, involved an extensive literature search across PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to July 2023. The primary focus was on exploring studies that investigated the application of ablative laser technology to augment drug delivery for nail psoriasis. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> (1) The review included seven randomized controlled trials, all examining the combination of fractional CO₂ laser with topical treatments. These trials demonstrated varying degrees of improvement in nail psoriasis. (2) Patients undergoing laser treatment reported experiencing moderate levels of pain, effectively managed through the application of topical anesthesia. (3) Commonly observed side effects included erythema, swelling, and crusting, with the Koebner phenomenon being a rare occurrence. (4) Notably, patient satisfaction levels with the combined approach of laser and topical treatments were consistently high. In conclusion, the utilization of ablative CO₂-assisted laser pretreatment, when used in conjunction with topical therapy, appears to be both effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of nail psoriasis. However, the establishment of optimal parameters and treatment intervals for fractional laser therapy remains an area for further research. Standardized studies are imperative to identify the most effective strategy for enhancing topical drug delivery in the context of nail psoriasis treatment.