Background: Treatment of recalcitrant psoriatic plaques located on certain areas of the body remains problematic despite the many therapeutic options available. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Pendulaser carbon dioxide (CO₂) resurfacing laser to that of electrodesiccation with curettage in the treatment of recalcitrant psoriatic plaques. Methods: A single psoriatic plaque was divided into thirds, one part treated with CO₂ resurfacing laser, another with electrodesiccation and curettage, and the third left untreated. The psoriatic epidermis and papillary dermis were removed by the two treatment modalities. Results: CO₂ resurfacing laser and electrodesiccation with curettage produced similar therapeutic effects in terms of improvement of psoriasis and were significantly better than the control 4 months later, but not at 6 months. Conclusion: For limited recalcitrant psoriatic plaques, CO₂ resurfacing laser and electrodesiccation with curettage may provide an alternative short-term treatment; however, caution must be exercised and the moderately high risk of scarring carefully weighed against the potential benefits. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;42:660-6.)