SCALF PSORIASIS TREATMENT WITH A FIBER OPTIC COMB

The aim of this research proposal is to develop a UV-B light source and a fiber optic delivery system (optical fiber comb) that delivers light to the psoriatic scalp of patients. Currently, used treatment methods for psoriasis using UV-B are not applicable to the scalp because hair typically blocks the light from reaching the affected skin. This new method overcomes this problem by using a "comb" that has optical fibers which deliver light directly to the skin. A custom light source will provide sufficient UV-B light to the comb to perform treatment in a reasonably short period of time. This simple idea can provide a new treatment modality for psoriasis of the scalp, a disease that affects approximately two million people in the United States alone. Successful completion of this project will result in a new medical device that will be tested in a clinical trial prior to commercialization.