The Excimer Laser For Psoriasis: A Review Of Safety And Efficacy
Specialists describe the evolving role of the excimer laser in treating psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic dermatologic disease affecting 2.6 percent of the US population.1 It is debilitating both physically and mentally, and there is always a need to develop treatment options with better success rates, not only acutely, but long-term. Despite the wide range of treatment options available, UVB phototherapy remains one of the safest therapeutic modalities for psoriasis.2 The latest development in UVB phototherapy is the excimer laser, a novel therapeutic option where a beam of coherent light with a wavelength of 308nm is transmitted through a handheld articulated arm.3 The device uses a spot diameter of 14 to 30mm, allowing targeted therapy to a small area on the skin and thus the ability to spare healthy skin from exposure to UV radiation. In addition, since psoriatic skin can usually tolerate a higher dose of UVB than unaffected skin can, treatment can be conducted at multiples of the minimal erythema dose . This aggressive supraerythemogenic therapy greatly enhances the efficacy of UVB phototherapy and thereby results in fewer required sessions and a lower accumulated dose of UVB.4,5
Dr. Bhutani has no relevant disclosures. Dr. Koo is a consultant for PhotoMedex.
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Laser Treatment For Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic skin condition, which appears as inflamed, thickened red areas of skin. The affected areas may also be itchy and scaly. The location of affected areas will vary from person to person, as will the duration, shape and pattern. Traditional approaches to treatment for psoriasis includes repeated application of topical ointments several times a day. While there is no cure for the condition, laser treatment for psoriasis can help patients manage symptoms, without messy creams.
Are Other Laser Treatments Available
Another type of laser treatment, the pulsed dye laser , is also available to treat psoriasis lesions. The PDL and XTRAC lasers have different effects on psoriasis lesions.
The PDL targets the tiny blood vessels in the psoriasis lesion, whereas the XTRAC laser targets T cells.
One review of studies says that response rates for PDL are between 57 and 82 percent when used on lesions. Remission rates were found to last as long as 15 months.
For some people, PDL may be effective with fewer treatments and with fewer side effects.
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Vitiligo Treatment With Excimer Lasers
Vitiligo is a condition in which skin loses its color in blotches. This color loss occurs when the cells that produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color, die or stop functioning. Depending on the type of vitiligo, depigmentation may affect skin on many parts of the body or in a few areas, or just on one side of the body. While researchers are still working to determine the exact cause of vitiligo, they do know that it is not contagious or life-threatening. There is no cure for the condition, but vitiligo treatment with excimer lasers can help.
Can Excimer Laser Cause Cancer
Exposure to UVB rays can cause sunburns and skin cancer. Fortunately, excimer laser treatment does not increase the risk for skin cancer because it delivers a targeted super-narrow UVB band only to the affected areas, and spares surrounding skin tissue. This means that excimer laser treatments focus on only affected areas of the skin and that healthy skin remains healthy.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Psoriasis
The most common clinical features of psoriasis are loose, dry silvery white scaling with well-defined, red scaly papules and plaques. Healed lesions usually appear as hyper pigmented or hypo pigmented. When nails get involved they show symptoms like pitting, yellowish discolouration, arthropathy and sometime haemorrhage.
Excimer Laser Treatment For Psoriasis
Could laser treatment for psoriasis be the answer to finding relief for those dry, itchy patches? If you have stubborn psoriasis, you’ve probably already tried medicated creams, oral medications, and light therapy. Here’s what you should know about excimer laser treatment and how to seek it out.
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What Is The Excimer Laser Treatment And How Does It Work
Excimer laser treatment is the first FDA approved laser treatment for psoriasis. The system uses a carefully focused beam of laser light and delivers it through a sophisticated fiber optic device. The system can treat unsightly psoriatic skin plaques quickly and effectively. As the light concentrates on active lesions, the laser delivers high-exposure doses necessary for rapid clearing without risk of damage to healthy skin.
Dermatology Excimer Lasers Market Growth Share Industry Dynamics Top Trends And Regional Analysis Forecast To 2029
Laser treatment is gaining popularity for dermatological diseases and skin disorders treatment. Dermatology excimer laser is used for several skin disorders such as vitiligo, psoriasis, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis folliculitis, allergic rhinitis, Lichen planus, Leukoderma, granuloma annulare and many other dermatological disorders. Dermatology excimer lasers used an intense beam of focused laser light. Dermatology excimer lasers offer selective application of ultraviolet radiation on the lesions and surrounding healthy tissue left unexposed. Dermatology excimer laser is suitable for the treatment of UV sensitive skin disorders such as psoriasis and vitiligo. First FDA cleared excimer laser system XTRAC was introduced in 2000 by PhotoMedex Company. Currently, the manufacturers are focusing on the launch of dermatology excimer laser systems in different regions and countries, therefore, companies are aiming towards to get regulatory approvals. For instance, in April 2017 Ra Medical Systems was received regulatory approval from China Food and Drug Administration for its Pharos excimer laser.
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Dermatology Excimer Lasers Market: Drivers and Restraints-
Dermatology Excimer Lasers Market: Overview
Dermatology Excimer Lasers Market: Region-wise Outlook
Dermatology Excimer Lasers Market: Key Market Participants
Why Future Market Insights?
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How Xtrac Laser Therapy Works
Xtrac uses carefully-focused laser light beams to target patches of skin that are affected by psoriasis or vitiligo. The first laser of its kind to be approved for treatment for psoriasis, the Xtrac laser can work wonders on affected skin. If medications, creams, and other lifestyle and dietary changes havent worked for you, Xtrac laser therapy may be the solution. You can even receive Xtrac laser therapy treatment while pregnant, nursing, or on any of a variety of prescription medications.
Because there are few risks to Xtrac laser therapy, nearly anyone can seek this type of laser treatment. In fact, Xtrac is even safe for children to use, when approved by a board-certified dermatologist. Plus, Xtrac is covered by most insurance plans including Medicare.
Xtrac laser therapy has also been approved to treat some types of eczema, too. Most health insurance and Medicare plans cover the treatment costs of Xtrac laser therapy.
If you suffer from psoriasis or vitiligo and are ready to learn more about the effectiveness of Xtrac laser therapy, we want to meet with you. Use the buttons below to find a clinician or a location that offers Xtrac laser therapy.
For more information, call us at: 759-4033
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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
You should not use this treatment if you likewise have lupus.
You should not attempt this therapy if you likewise have xeroderma pigmentosum.
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 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 youre 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.
Are There Any Risks To Laser Treatments For Psoriasis
Laser therapy is generally safe, but some people have reported side effects after treatment, including:
- Temporary redness, itching, burning, and stinging
- Blistering
- Purple-colored spots on the skin
- Darkening or lightening of the skin
- Scarring
More research is needed to determine whether exposure to UVB light from the excimer laser might increase the long-term risk for skin cancer.
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Here Are A Few Key Changes:
- All our staff has upgraded their medical outfits to COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment . This includes the receptionists, nurses, medical assistants and doctors.
- We have lengthened the periods in between the patients appointment times to allow for additional cleaning in between patients.
- Patients will be directed to their examination rooms upon arrival, which have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized beforehand. However, we have also minimized and spaced out the waiting area for patients who need to sit before being directed to a room.
- Upon arrival at the clinic, you will be required to fill out a form as a secondary screening for COVID-19. We will also be taking your temperature using a touchless thermometer.
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Are Other Laser Treatments Offered
Another type of laser treatment, the pulsed dye laser , 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.
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What You Should Know Before Starting Laser Treatment
Laser treatment for psoriasis can produce dramatic results in some people — but this therapy isn’t for everyone. To make sure you’re a good candidate, have a complete health history and exam done before starting treatment.
Avoid laser treatments if you have:
- Lupus or scleroderma
- Xeroderma pigmentosum
- Risks for, or a history of, skin cancer
- A condition that requires you to take medications that make you sensitive to the sunÃ
What Happens In An Excimer Laser Treatment Session
The FDA-approved excimer laser is a handheld device that delivers a concentrated dose of UV light to the skin. The skincare professional moves the device over the surface of the patientâs skin in a fast, comfortable treatment session, performed in a doctorâs office or other outpatient settings. Treatment takes only 5 to 10 minutes, and requires no special preparation or diets.
Treatment plans usually feature laser treatment sessions twice a week for several months. The goal of treatment is to cause a remission, or temporary reduction in symptoms of the condition. While excimer laser treatments are not a cure for vitiligo or psoriasis, they can be an effective part of the patientâs overall treatment plan to reduce symptoms.
Patients begin to experience positive results after just a few sessions, and enjoy several months of treatment-free remission at the end of the course of treatment. After excimer laser treatments, patients enjoy greater self-esteem and improved quality of life many are glad to wear their favorite clothing that shows off their healthy skin. Patients often celebrate freedom from having to apply messy steroid creams several times each day.
For more information about excimer laser treatments, contact Center for Dermatology & Laser Surgery. We provide the excimer laser vitiligo patients rely on to help correct loss of skin color, as well as ultraviolet laser treatments for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
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Laser Hair Removal For The Treatment Of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Tawfik et al examined the safety and effectiveness of Alexandrite laser in the treatment of different lesions of AKN. A total of 17 male patients with AKN received 6 sessions of 755-nm Alexandrite laser. Papule and pustule count, keloidal plaque size, pliability, tenderness, and itching were assessed at the 4th session and 4 weeks after the 6th session. Patient satisfaction and Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire were performed at the end of treatment. Patients were followed-up for 3 months after the final treatment. There was a significant decrease in the mean papule, pustule count, keloidal plaque size, and pliability at the 4th and 6th laser sessions when compared with baseline. Reduction of the hair density in the treated area was the only complication observed, which was accepted by the patients because of its reversible course. There was a statistically significantly higher percentage of improvement in the early lesions compared with late lesions. By the end of laser sessions, DLQI scores were significantly reduced. Temporary hair loss was noted in 4 patients in the treated sites and no lesional recurrence was detected in the follow-up period. The authors concluded that using 755-nm Alexandrite laser for treatment of AKN was a safe and effective procedure with low recurrence rates. Alexandrite laser can significantly improve the QOL of those patients suffering from this disfiguring chronic disorder.
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Psoriasis Laser Treatment: How It Works
Excimer laser treatments are performed in the dermatologist’s office. Each session takes only a few minutes. During the treatment, the doctor aims the laser directly at patches of psoriasis. You might feel some warmth at the site or a snapping sensation against the skin.
Excimer lasers aim a high intensity ultraviolet B light dose of a very specific wavelength — 308 nanometers — directly at the psoriasis plaques. Because the laser light never touches the surrounding skin, it reduces the risk of UV radiation exposure. Excimer lasers are used to treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis.
With excimer laser therapy, patients usually have 2 sessions a week for 4 to 10 sessions to get results.Ã
Your doctor will determine your dose of laser light based on the thickness of your psoriasis plaques and your skin color . During the procedure, you will be given dark goggles to protect your eyes.
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Dermatology Excimer Lasers Market New Development And Demand Growing Opportunities
Dermatology excimer lasers are available different modes or systems such as hand held, table top, or trolley mounted devices. These dermatology excimer lasers are gaining huge popularity across the globe as the preferred choice for the treating skin disorders such as rhinitis, Lichen planus, folliculitis, atopic dermatitis, granuloma annulare, and Leukoderma among others. These lasers are suitable for treating UV sensitive skin diseases such as vitiligo and psoriasis as well. The leading players in the market are now focusing on developing new products to cater to the growing demands in the market.
Global Dermatology Excimer Lasers Market Notable Developments
Some of the notable developments in the global dermatology excimer lasers market are listed below:
- In July 2019, Ra Medical Systems announced that the company has launched a new versio of its excimer laser product Pharos. This is an optimized dermatology excimer laser is the next generation of the flagship company product to provide faster and more efficient treatment to patients.
- In February 2016, PhotoMedex announced that the company has entered into an agreement to sell its consumer and professional product businesses to the DS Healthcare Group. The ratio of the takeover would see PhotoMedex hold 43% of the share, whereas DS Healthcare will own the remaining 57%.
Global Dermatology Excimer Lasers Market Drivers and Restraints
Dermatology Excimer Lasers Market Segmentation
Device Type
How Does Xtrac Laser Therapy Work
This is the first laser of its kind to be approved for treating psoriasis. It is a small handheld device that your dermatologist can use in their office. It works by using a special light wavelength that is designed to target stubborn lesions. The laser penetrates the skin and breaks the DNA of the T cells. The T cells are what have multiplied to create psoriasis plaques. Xtrac removes difficult plaques and lesions where other therapies, like creams and medications, have failed. You can even receive treatments while you are pregnant, nursing, or on a variety of prescription medications.
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