Psoriasis

About Excimer Laser

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 the practitioner to use high doses of UVB light necessary for fast, effective treatment of the psoriasisform patches, while minimizing the risk of exposure to healthy skin. For patients with recalcitrant psoriasis, 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.

Benefits

• Treats mild to moderate psoriasis
• Effective clearing
• Relief without messy creams and daily skin care regimen

Alternatives

• Topical and Oral Psoriasis medications
• PUVA Light Therapy
• UVB Light Therapy

How Does it Work?

The 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.

Who is a Candidate?
If you have mild to moderate psoriasis, and you’re unhappy with your current method of treatment, you should consider treatment with the 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.

What can I Expect?
Each case is unique, but psoriasis sufferers who have had the laser 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 with the laser to remain free of symptoms.

Results may vary.

Safety & Side Effects
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 laser procedures have some degree of risk.

Recovery Time
None.

Does it Hurt?
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 psoriasis treatments, such as 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.

Before Treatment Instructions
None.

After Treatment Instructions
Avoid excessive sun exposure.

Who Performs the Treatments?
Our Physicians, physician assistants and registered nurses perform the procedure.