XTRAC® Excimer Laser

To help patients suffering from psoriasis, vitiligo or atopic dermatitis, California Skin Institute providers may use the XTRAC^® Excimer laser to target problematic patches of skin and improve skin texture. This laser is one of the latest developments in targeted phototherapy and is FDA-cleared for the treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis

Many patients are surprised to learn that treatment of psoriasis with the XTRAC^® Excimer laser is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare, and often isn’t considered to be a cosmetic procedure.

If you’ve been suffering from psoriasis or vitiligo, and other treatments have not helped, please set up a consultation with one of our providers to see if XTRAC^® Excimer laser is a viable treatment option in your situation. Please set up your appointment by calling one of the California Skin Institute practices listed below, or schedule your consultation online.

How the XTRAC^® Excimer Laser Works

The XTRAC^® Excimer laser is a new generation phototherapy treatment for conditions like psoriasis. Like previous treatment options for psoriasis, the XTRAC^® Excimer laser relies on ultraviolet light to target psoriatic plaque and other problem areas, to heal the skin and reduce future outbreaks.

However, earlier versions of phototherapy relied on specialized lightboxes delivering UV light to the entire body. To utilize this therapy, the patient would disrobe, step into the box, and specialized light wavelengths were sent to the entire body.

Light therapy box treatments had an inherent disadvantage in that they treated the entire body. This was a problem for some patients, as healthy tissue was needlessly exposed to UV light, even though psoriatic plaque was only present on one area; like the elbows or the scalp.

Further, UV light box treatments required more sessions.

The XTRAC^® Excimer laser is a significant improvement on the UV light box treatments as it allows for precision targeting of psoriasis, without exposing healthy tissue to UV light.

What the XTRAC^® Excimer Laser Treats

The XTRAC^® Excimer laser is FDA-cleared to treat psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis.

Is XTRAC^® Excimer Laser Safe?

Yes, treatments with the XTRAC^® Excimer laser are safe, especially when administered by the expert providers at California Skin Institute. Unlike a resurfacing laser, the XTRAC^® device does not vaporize skin cells or cause other microdamage.

How Long do Treatment Results Last?

When performed by the expert providers at California Skin Institute, the XTRAC^® Excimer laser can provide long-term relief from psoriasis, and other skin problems.* Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for psoriasis, and the laser isn’t able to provide permanent results. However, after the initial treatment sessions have been completed, the typical patient experiences a lower reoccurrence of psoriasis.

What to Expect During Treatment?

Treatment with the XTRAC^® Excimer laser is very comfortable for most California Skin Institute patients and does not cause pain. In fact, many patients don’t experience any sensation on the skin at all and are surprised by how painless and comfortable the treatment feels.

For best outcomes, a typical patient will need multiple treatment sessions. However, each session is usually very short; often lasting just a few minutes.