Patients in Algonquin ask, “Does Xtrac Laser therapy work for psoriasis?”

Posted by Dr. Vikram Khanna

Xtrac laser therapy is a targeted laser treatment that is used to treat psoriasis, vitiligo, and in some cases, eczema. The laser uses one wavelength to clear up the patches of skin that are impacted by these skin conditions and improves their appearance. At Dermatology Specialists of Illinois, we’ve helped many patients dramatically reduce their symptoms of psoriasis with the Xtrac laser.

What is Psoriasis?

Nearly 7.5 million people in the United States suffer with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes scaly, itchy patches that can appear red, silver, or white. While it affects people of all ages, it is most common in adults. It is an auto-immune disorder caused by rapid reproduction of skin cells.

Patients with psoriasis often struggle with the physical and emotional toll of the disease. The patches of psoriasis can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. In addition, patients with psoriasis are at increased risk for other health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, depression, and heart disease.

Treatment options for psoriasis

Because psoriasis is a chronic condition, it cannot be cured, however it can be managed with proper treatment. There are several different types of therapy used to treat psoriasis, including creams, oral medications, and laser therapy. In this article we will review the Xtrac laser therapy.

CALL OUR OFFICE

New Patients Call
(844) 307-7546

Existing Patients Call
(847) 458-7546

Schedule
an Appointment today!

How Xtrac Laser Therapy works

IL dermatologist Dr. Khanna gives patients with psoriasis quick, effective results.

The Xtrac laser uses intense doses of laser ultraviolet light to target patches of psoriasis while leaving the healthy skin around these patches untouched. With comparable results of other laser therapies, Xtrac sets itself apart by producing these results in fewer sessions.

The handheld Xtrac wand is moved along the skin on the desired treatment area. The strong, focused doses of light are stronger than other laser therapies, allowing the light to travel deeper into the skin.

The sessions are performed in our Algonquin office and can be done in just a few minutes. During the procedure, the wand is used to aim the laser at the patches of psoriasis. Mineral oil is applied to the skin, so the laser can pass through the psoriasis more easily and patients are given dark goggles to protect their eyes. The treatment can feel warm, but it is not painful.

Afterward, the skin may have a sunburned look, which may also include itching or burning. This is temporary and usually resolves within 12-24 hours after treatment.

The number of sessions needed varies by individual based on the severity of the psoriasis. Most patients require 5 – 10 sessions for best results.

Benefits of Xtrac therapy

Xtrac therapy is specifically designed to clear up patches of psoriasis quickly and effectively without damaging healthy skin. This revolutionary therapy offers patients with psoriasis several benefits including:

Results in 10 or less quick treatments
Long-lasting results
Quick, pain-free treatments
Break from using daily creams and medications

How Xtrac differs from other psoriasis treatments

Other treatments for psoriasis such as topical creams, oral medications, and other forms of light therapy treat the entire body which can come with many different side effects. The Xtrac laser uses controlled UVB light that only treats the patches of psoriasis, rather than the entire surface area of skin. Because of this, patients often experience greater results in less time with Xtrac therapy. In some cases, we may combine Xtrac therapy with topical or oral medications to get even quicker results.

Candidates for Xtrac therapy

Both adults and children with mild to moderate psoriasis are good candidates for Xtrac laser therapy. Patients who have tried other types of therapies such as creams and oral medications and have been unhappy with the results may also be interested in Xtrac therapy. When combined with biologic medication, Xtrac can help completely resolve areas of psoriasis.

Psoriasis comes with many difficulties, but the good news is there are effective treatments that can help improve your quality of life. If you live in or around the Algonquin, IL area and would like to learn more about Xtrac Excimer laser therapy for psoriasis, call Dermatology Specialists of Illinois today at (844) 307-7546 . We’re happy to answer any questions you have about UVB light therapy and help you on your road to recovery from Psoriasis.