XTRAC, California Skin Institute’s Tool to Tame Psoriasis

Posted on: October 28th, 2019 by sbatbold

National Psoriasis Awareness Month may have ended, but for the 8 million Americans who suffer from recurring psoriasis, it’s not like putting away Christmas decorations. Psoriasis is an unrelenting condition that follows no calendar dates. It can flare up at any time causing discomfort and embarrassment.

At California Skin Institute, we are proud to have at our disposal, a high-tech tool for managing psoriasis. Many of our locations have the XTRAC Excimer laser.

XTRAC – Scientifically Tested and Approved

Because of the distress of living with red, itchy, scaly skin caused by psoriasis, California Skin Institute is always on the lookout for better and faster treatments for our patients. We made sure to review all the published studies and data about XTRAC, before making the device available to our patients. We wanted to make certain that it met our standards for safety and efficacy. And it did!

The XTRAC Excimer laser has been officially approved by the FDA for the treatment of psoriasis symptoms. That means it will not cure psoriasis, but it can make it easier to live with. The FDA granted approval based on 45 clinical studies and research program reports published in peer-reviewed medical journals. XTRAC is also endorsed by the National Psoriasis Foundation and is an approved clinical treatment for psoriasis recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Over 2 million XTRAC treatments have been performed by dermatologists around the world with excellent patient results. Patients typically receive two sessions a week for four to ten sessions to begin to see results, with a maintenance plan dictated by the provider.

How XTRAC Works

XTRAC essentially provides a version of traditional phototherapy for psoriasis, but delivers this light therapy faster and with more precision. By deploying the latest nanotechnology, XTRAC delivers light therapy faster and with more precision than previously possible. XTRAC works at a wavelength of 308 nanometers.

By intervening in several biological mechanisms, the XTRAC Excimer laser can improve the appearance of psoriasis plaques. A key mechanism involves the immune system, including white blood cells called T cells. Scientists believe T cells are directly involved in psoriasis immune system issues resulting in changes to skin growth and the development of plaques.

Proven Benefits of XTRAC for Psoriasis

Here are the key benefits associated with XTRAC laser treatments for psoriasis. Results may vary. Please discuss your individual case with your California Skin Institute dermatologist.

• The XTRAC laser can diminish the most visible symptoms of psoriasis, often significantly reducing the severity and length of a flare.
• Excimer lasers like XTRAC can provide rapid results with quick improvements of the appearance of psoriasis plaques.
• XTRAC can offer an alternative treatment for patients who prefer not to use other psoriasis medications or who cannot tolerate their side effects. Also, patients who may have stubborn areas not improving with topical therapy may respond to the addition of an excimer laser.
• Treatments are relatively easy. The XTRAC excimer laser is non-invasive and sessions are typically not painful.
• No downtime. XTRAC can target specific areas which helps prevent laser damage to skin not affected by psoriasis.
• Low UV exposure. Traditional phototherapy involves exposing large areas of skin to UV light. Excimer laser therapy can target a precise area, reducing UV risk to other parts of the body.

XTRAC Tackles Psoriasis with Minimal Side Effects

In addition to the above benefits, the XTRAC laser has minimal side effects. That means you don’t have to trade one set of problems for another. Some patients may experience a reaction similar to sunburn, including temporary reddening or blistering at the site of the treated area. Your California Skin Institute dermatologist will review all possible reactions with you before scheduling your treatment. Learn more about our XTRAC treatment for psoriasis here.  Many insurance plans will cover XTRAC treatments for psoriasis and our staff can help explore that with you.