What is Excimer Laser Treatment? This therapy works by permeating the skin and breaking up the cells that form plaques. With this therapy, it’s possible to have long remission periods between outbreaks. Mild side effects are possible.
The United States Federal Drug Administration approved the XTRAC (Excimer) laser for psoriasis therapy in 2009. The XTRAC is a small handheld device that your skin specialist can use in the workplace.
This laser focuses a single band of ultraviolet B (UVB) light on psoriasis sores. It permeates the skin and breaks the DNA of the T cells, which are what have multiplied to produce psoriasis plaques. The 308-nm wavelength was found to be the most effective in clearing psoriasis lesions.
What are the Advantages of Excimer Therapy?
- Each treatment takes only minutes.
- The surrounding skin isn’t impacted.
- It might need fewer sessions than some other treatments.
Excimer laser therapy is stated to improve mild to moderate plaques from psoriasis much faster than natural sunshine or synthetic UV light. It also needs less therapy sessions than some other treatments. This reduces the cumulative UV dosage.
Because it’s a focused source of light, the XTRAC laser can focus only on the plaque area. This implies it doesn’t affect the surrounding skin. It’s also effective on areas that are hard to treat, such as the knees, elbows, and scalp.
Treatment time can vary depending upon your skin type and the thickness and seriousness of your psoriasis sores.
With this therapy, it’s possible to have long remission periods in between break outs.
What the Research States
One 2002 research study reported that 72 percent of participants experienced a minimum of a 75 percent cleaning of psoriasis plaques in an average of 6.2 treatments. About 50 percent of participants had at least 90 percent of their plaques clear after 10 or less treatments.
Although Excimer therapy has actually been shown to be safe, more long-lasting research studies are essential to fully assess any short- or long-term effects.
Side Effects of Excimer Laser Treatment
Mild to moderate side effects are possible. According to the same 2002 study, practically half of all individuals experienced inflammation after the treatment. Approximately 10 percent of the staying individuals had opposite effects. Scientist noted that individuals generally tolerated the side effects well which nobody left of the study due to the fact that of side effects.
You might observe the following around the afflicted area:
- soreness
- blistering
- irritation
- a burning sensation
- an increase in pigmentation.
Dangers and cautions
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You should not use this treatment if you likewise have lupus.
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You should not attempt this therapy if you likewise have xeroderma pigmentosum.
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If you have a history of skin cancer, this may not be the best treatment for you.
No medical dangers have been determined. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests this treatment for both children and adults with mild, moderate, or severe psoriasis covering less than 10 percent of the body. Although no research studies have been carried out on pregnant or nursing mothers, the AAD regards this therapy as safe for women in these groups.
If you’re extremely conscious light, your doctor might use a lower dose during treatment. Some antibiotics or other drugs can increase your photosensitivity to UVA, however the XTRAC laser runs just in the UVB range.
This treatment isn’t really advised for people who have lupus or xeroderma pigmentosum. If you have a suppressed immune system, a history of melanoma, or a history of other skin cancers, you should likewise continue with care and discuss your choices with your doctor.
Are Other Laser Treatments Offered?
Another type of laser treatment, the pulsed dye laser (PDL), is also available to treat psoriasis lesions. The PDL and XTRAC lasers have different impacts on psoriasis sores.
The PDL targets the small capillary in the psoriasis sore, whereas the XTRAC laser targets T cells.
One evaluation of studies states that reaction rates for PDL are in between 57 and 82 percent when used on lesions. Remission rates were discovered to last as long as 15 months.
For some people, PDL might work with fewer treatments and with less side effects.
How much does Excimer Laser Therapy Cost?
Most medical insurance provider cover XTRAC laser therapy if it’s thought about medically required.
Treatment expenses can differ, so you ought to contact your doctor on the per treatment cost.
You might discover that the XTRAC laser treatment is more costly than the more common UVB treatment with a light box. Still, the greater cost might be offset by a shorter treatment time and longer remission period.
Outlook
If your doctor recommends XTRAC laser therapy, it’s important to stick to your treatment schedule.
The AAD suggests 2 to 3 treatments per week, with a minimum of 48 hours between, till your skin clears up. Typically, 10 to 12 treatments are normally essential. Some people’s condition may improve after a single session.
The remission time after treatment likewise differs. The AAD reports that 55 percent of patients who had upkeep therapy for a month with the number of treatments and the dose reducing were in remission after a year.
