The Excimer Laser offers a revolutionary
new treatment for patients suffering from eczema. This laser uses a carefully
focused beam of light delivered through a sophisticated fiber optic device.
The Excimer system allows the practitioner to use high doses of UVB light necessary
for fast, effective treatment of the eczematous patches, while minimizing the
risk of exposure to healthy skin. For patients with recalcitrant eczema, this
laser allows for quick, effective, and painless therapy. Patients can often
obtain relief in just four to eight brief sessions, compared to 25 to 30 treatments
with conventional phototherapy. Remissions are expected to last months.
- Effective clearing, often in as few as four sessions
- Treats eczema
- Treats white scars
- Treats white pigmentation induced by trauma, medical procedures
- Treats laser-induced hypopigmentation
- Treats vitiligo
- Treats psoriasis
- Provides long-lasting relief, typically several months free of symptoms
- Quick, easy treatment, sessions last only a few minutes
- Relief without messy creams and daily skin care regimen
Oral and Topical Medications, UVB Therapy, and PUVA Therapy.
The Excimer laser system is light-years ahead of other eczema treatments. Using a carefully focused beam of laser light delivered through a sophisticated fiber-optic delivery system, the Excimer system is designed to clear unsightly eczematous patches quickly and effectively. Because it concentrates light on active lesions, Excimer allows our center to deliver the high-exposure doses necessary for rapid clearing without the risk of damage to healthy surrounding skin. On your first visit, we will test your skin to determine your optimum dosage level. Then the Excimer hand-piece is moved over the affected area, applying laser light at your determined dose. This only takes a few minutes, depending on the areas to be treated.
If you have mild to moderate atopic dermatitis or eczema, and you are unhappy with your current method of treatment, you should consider treatment with the Excimer laser system.
Each case is unique, but eczema sufferers who have experienced Excimer treatment have found that relief can last for extended periods of time. Remissions are expected to last at least as long as with conventional phototherapy, but fewer treatments are usually required to remain free of symptoms.
The laser has been proven to be safe when used properly. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally.
None.
Most patients feel no pain or discomfort during the short Excimer treatment sessions. A few patients report feeling a warm sensation like a mild sunburn at the site of the lesion. No anesthesia is necessary. Not only is the Excimer treatment free of pain, it has few of the drawbacks often associated with other eczema treatments, such as premature skin aging, skin thinning or resistance to medication. And the Excimer system can be used successfully on hard-to-treat areas of the body such as elbows and knees.
None.
Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Our physicians, physician assistants and registered nurses perform the procedure.
Most PPO Insurance Considers Phototherapy a Covered Benefit: Call Us To Inquire.
Eczema is a common skin disorder
presenting with scaly, itchy patches of the body, extremities and face. Phototherapy
for eczema is beneficial because it can target large areas of skin without the
side effects of oral or topical medications. During phototherapy sessions, a
machine emitting rays of narrow band UVB (NB-UVB) light is directed at the area
of the body being treated. A session takes only a few minutes, and patients
can receive treatment several times a week. Other phototherapy options such
as PUVA therapy has been well described for eczema; however, its limitations
include nausea and light sensitivity reactions, as well as long-term skin cancer
concerns. Today, NB-UVB phototherapy is a wonderful alternative for patients
with fairly extensive disease. NB-UVB has proven to be one of the most effective
treatment options for thousands of patients all over the world.
- NB-UVB is a useful and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with
eczema. Over many treatment sessions, patients see reduction or complete
elimination of eczematous patches.
- Clinical studies show the peak therapeutic effectiveness of UVB to be
within the range of 295-313 nm, but wavelengths below 300 nm can cause redness
or severe burning and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- NB-UVB virtually eliminates superfluous and harmful UV by emitting only
wavelengths 311-312 nm. (Conventional broad-band UVB lamps emit a variety
of wavelengths ranging from 280-330 nm).
- Eliminating UV in wavelengths below 311 nm permits higher intensities
and longer exposure times, so patients can derive the maximum benefit from
phototherapy.
- The increased effectiveness permits even more aggressive treatment approaches,
resulting in a shorter course of treatment.
- Published research papers confirm that patients not only avoid the danger
of serious burning from sub-erythemal exposure, they may also enjoy longer
remission periods after treatment.
- Remission periods are similar to those with PUVA therapy and markedly
superior to broad band or conventional UVB treatment. Studies show 38-40
percent of narrow-band treated patients require no additional therapy for
at least 12 months.
- NB-UVB can also be used to treat patients with hand dermatitis or dyshidrosis
- a condition that causes blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of
the feet. Creams are often messy and have poor results.
Emollients, antihistamine pills,
topical steroid creams, oral steroids, topical immunomodulators (Protopic or
Elidel), excimer laser treatment, oral or topical psoralens plus ultraviolet
A (PUVA), conventional broad band UVB phototherapy.
Patients stand in a phototherapy
unit (Houva 11) containing a bank of 48 fluorescent tubes with peak emission
at 311 nm. For limited hand or foot disease, patients sit with the affected
areas placed in a specific hand and foot device. Therapy is administered 2-3
times a week, on nonconsecutive days. Affected segments of the skin are exposed
during each treatment. A predetermined starting dose of light is administered,
with subsequent increases of approximately 10-15% for each treatment. If the
patient reports mild redness or itching, the irradiation dose is held constant
for the subsequent treatment, or until resolution of symptoms. If burning, pain
or blistering develops, the irradiation dose is decreased by 10-15%. Once 75%
repigmentation is achieved, the frequency of treatments is tapered to twice
a week for 4 weeks, then weekly for 4 weeks. Lesional photography is often performed
at the initial pretreatment visit and periodically thereafter.
If you have mild to moderate atopic dermatitis or eczema, and you are unhappy with your current method of treatment, you should consider treatment with our Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy system. This device treats all skin types and can treat small regional areas such as the hands alone, or the entire body at one time.
Patients do very well but multiple treatments are required to obtain the best results. Not all patients improve or clear with this approach. Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy usually reduces the need for topical agents, including topical corticosteroid preparations.
Adverse side effects are rare.
Redness and itching can occur, and resolves spontaneously. Blistering, exaggerated
increased pigmentation and scarring are possible though rare. Proper eye protection
is required during treatments. The specific risks and the suitability of these
procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation.
All procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect
the outcome occur occasionally.
Usually none. Many patients may
have some pinkness of the skin for a few days.
No.
None.
Avoid excessive sun exposure for
a few days after the procedure.
Our physicians, physician assistants and registered nurses perform the procedure.
