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Psoriasis Laser Treatment

Psoriasis is a skin condition that can appear as a rash with dry, silvery, scaling patches. The affected areas are usually found on the elbows, knees, scalp, chest and trunk. The skin frequently cracks and is painful at times. The toenails and fingernails are sometimes affected. It may activate in late childhood or young adulthood and usually continues throughout life, as there is no known cure. Psoriasis is not contagious and affects more than seven million people in the U.S. An estimated 150,000 to 260,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Until now, patients suffering with psoriasis have tried a variety of treatments including topical creams, photo-therapy or oral medications resulting in only temporary relief. Now there is an effective laser treatment that is light years ahead of all those prior treatments, called the excimer laser treatment.

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.

What Is The Treatment Like And Is It Safe?

Treatment sessions are performed at your doctor’s office and last five minutes or less. The doctor will first test your skin to determine your optimum dosage level. Then the  hand-piece is moved over the affected area, applying laser light at your determined dose. Most patients feel no pain or discomfort during the short treatment session. Some patients report feeling a warm sensation, similar to a mild sunburn, at the site of the lesion. No anesthesia is necessary. The treatment is safe and has fewer drawbacks often associated with other psoriasis treatments, such as premature aging of healthy skin, skin thinning or resistance to medication.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Patients with mild to moderate psoriasis can often obtain relief in just four to ten brief treatment sessions. Some patients notice results after just one treatment. Each case is unique, however, patients who received treatment have found relief usually lasts for several months.