Excimer Laser for Psoriasis In New Jersey
Disclaimer: Results may vary patient to patient. There is no guarantee that any specific result can be achieved. Results may not be permanent.
Psoriasis can be a stubborn skin problem, sometimes unresponsive to topical medications, such as steroids or calcineurin inhibitors. Oral medications, such as methotrexate, or injectable biologics (such as TNF-inhibitors or IL17 or IL23 inhibitors) carry risks of side effects. An alternative treatment is light therapy with an excimer laser.
Which Excimer Laser Do You Use For Psoriasis?
There are several excimer lasers available. We use the Pharos Excimer Laser system. This laser delivers high intensity light at the 308 nm ultraviolet wavelength, which is optimal for treating psoriasis.
What Is An Excimer Laser?
The excimer laser used for psoriasis emits a strong UVB light at 308nm. This wavelength has been shown to decrease the plaques of psoriasis. An excimer laser is short for excited dimer laser, which describes the mechanism by which the laser pulse is generated. In this case, the dimer is xenon and chlorine gas molecules.
How Many Excimer Treatments Are Needed To Treat Psoriasis?
You can begin seeing results in as few as six sessions. However, more treatments are necessary for the best result, and maintenance treatment is advised. Treatments are given two or three times per week.
How Long Does An Excimer Treatment Take?
The length of each treatment depends on the surface area to be treated. It can be anything from a few minutes to 20 or 30 minutes. If it takes longer than this due to a large involved surface area, then the excimer laser is probably not the right choice, and a regular UVB light box would be more suitable, either for use at home or in the office.
How Is Excimer Laser For Psoriasis Different From A UVB Light Box?
Both the excimer laser and a UVB light box deliver UVB light. However, the excimer laser allows you to treat only the affected areas, and not the surrounding skin. For small areas, the excimer laser is much quicker, as it delivers a high intensity of energy over a shorter period of time.
Does The Excimer Laser For Psoriasis Hurt?
The excimer laser does not hurt. You will feel mild heat during the treatment.
Is The Excimer Laser For Psoriasis Covered By Insurance?
Most insurance plans will cover excimer treatments for psoriasis, especially if you have failed other treatments. Our staff can help to determine if insurance coverage is available.
