I am focused on understanding the effects on the skin after selective photothermolysis. For these studies, we use a pulsed dye laser (PDL) that is used to treat psoriasis, rosacea, and other dermatologic conditions. This work is funded by a Health Holland TKI-PPP (Public Private Partnership) in collaboration with a specialized center for light-based treatment in dermatology (Multicare, Hilversum). The objective of the research is to elucidate the mechanism of action by which photothermal therapy is able to downregulate the immunological overexpression typical of psoriasis and to develop a model to predict laser settings for individualized optimal treatment.

During this project, we study the basics: the effect of heat (hyperthermia) on cells, blood vessels, and the skin as a whole. Parallel to this research line, we will also study the effects of PDL on human psoriatic skin, to register differences in the skin structure before and after treatment. As such, we aim to better understand the therapeutic effect of PDL, as this is not completely understood.  

Our techniques are mainly focused on immunohistochemistry on frozen skin samples, cell culture, wire myography in combination with electrical field stimulation on isolated blood vessels, and molecular techniques such as RNAseq. We are also closely collaborating with experts in our department (BMEP) in the field of optical coherence tomography (OCT), and other imaging techniques, as well as on the modeling thermal distribution in the skin.