The Excimer Laser offers a revolutionary
new treatment for patients suffering from psoriasis. This laser uses a carefully
focused beam of light delivered through a sophisticated fiber optic device.
The Excimer system allows our center to use high doses of UVB light necessary
for fast, effective treatment of the psoriasis plaques while minimizing the
risk of exposure to healthy skin. For patients with recalcitrant psoriasis,
especially on elbows, knees, scalp, and hands, this laser allows for quick,
effective, painless treatment in as little as a single treatment. Patients can
often obtain relief in just six to ten brief sessions, compared to 25-30 treatments
with conventional phototherapy. Remissions are expected to last months.
- Treats mild to moderate psoriasis
- Effective clearing, often in as few as four sessions
- Treats white scars
- Treats white pigmentation induced by trauma, medical procedures
- Provides long-lasting relief: typically several months free of symptoms
- Sessions last only a few minutes
- Relief without messy creams and daily skin care regimen
- Treats vitiligo
- Treats eczema
- Treats white scars
- Treats laser-induced hypopigmentation
- Psoriasis medications
- PUVA Therapy
- Steroid Creams
- UVB Therapy
The Excimer excimer laser system is light-years ahead of other psoriasis 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 psoriatic skin plaques 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 risk of damage to healthy, surrounding skin. On the 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. Depending on the area to be treated this only takes a few minutes.
If you have mild to moderate psoriasis, and you're unhappy with your current method of treatment, you should consider treatment with the Excimer excimer laser system. You may have tried topical medications, such as coal tar or steroids, with disappointing results. You may have experienced remission with lengthy sessions of conventional phototherapy, but don't want to spend the time necessary to manage your skin condition. You'll probably get relief faster with Excimer.
Each case is unique, but psoriasis sufferers who have experienced XTRAC 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 you will probably need fewer treatments per year 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 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 psoriasis 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.
Dr. Berman, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses
Most PPO Insurance Considers Phototherapy a Covered Benefit: Call Us To Inquire.
Psoriasis is a common skin disorder
presenting with red, scaly plaques which may occur on the body, extremities,
scalp and even the face. Phototherapy for psoriasis 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 psoriasis;
however, its limitations include nausea and light sensitivity reactions, as
well as long-term skin cancer concerns. Older, conventional broad band UVB phototherapy
has been used for over 60 years to treat psoriasis. However, risks of redness,
burns and skin cancer have been an on-going concern. Today, NB-UVB phototherapy
is a wonderful alternative for patients with fairly extensive disease. NB-UVB
offers significant advantages over conventional UVB in the treatment of patients
with moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris, including faster resolution of skin
lesions, a higher percentage of patients attaining clearing of disease, and
the ability to achieve these results with an easy-to-administer, non-reddening
dosing schedule.
- NB-UVB is a useful and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with
psoriasis. Over many treatment sessions, patients see reduction or complete
elimination of psoriasis plaques.
- 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-reddening 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.
- No nausea compared to PUVA.
- Usually covered by insurance plans.
- NB-UVB has proved to be even more effective than the modified Goeckerman
(tar and broad band UVB) regimen when used on a daily basis in patients
with severe recalcitrant psoriasis.
Topical agents, Excimer Laser Treatments,
Conventional broad band UVB, PUVA, New Biologic Agents, Soriatane, Methotrexate,
Cyclosporine
Before light treatment, some patients
apply mineral oil to their psoriatic plaques. 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. Scalp disease is treated by
a specifically designed light-based hair comb. 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.
All patients with psoriasis who
do not have a contraindication for light therapy, (such as lupus, or other photosensitizing
diseases) may undergo this therapy. Smaller areas of psoriasis can alternatively
be treated with the excimer laser.
Reduction or elimination of psoriasis
plaques.
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.
Many patients will benefit from
the application of mineral oil to the skin plaques before the procedure to enhance
the penetration of the light.
Avoid excessive sun exposure for
a few days after the procedure.
Physicians, Physician Assistants,
Registered Nurses and Medical Assistants
