What is Excimer Laser Therapy?

Excimer Laser therapy is used as a treatment for psoriasis and other skin disorders. It is comprised of beams of varied ultraviolet wavelengths, and the 308nm xenon-chloride has been found to be the best for dermatological use.

There are several treatments for psoriasis, including steroid creams, oral medications and light therapy. These treatments may work well, but some medications have side effects, and in order for light therapy to be effective, you may need three treatments a week for up to three months along with maintenance therapy. Excimer Laser therapy offers another option for treating psoriasis. The ultraviolet light is localized on the affected area and does not harm the healthy skin that surrounds it.

Excimer Laser treatments use an intense and focused dose of laser light that gives similar results of traditional light therapy, but requires fewer sessions, delivers a stronger light and reaches deeper into the affected skin. The handheld wand that delivers the laser light makes it easier to reach psoriasis in the elbows, soles of the feet, knees, scalp and palms of the hands.

During a consultation with our medical professional, your psoriasis will be examined. Excimer Laser therapy is considered the best treatment for mild to moderate cases. If you have any sensitivity to light or are at risk of skin cancer, this may not be your best option. If you are a candidate for Excimer Laser therapy, it can be done in our office. You will be given eye protection before the treatment starts. The trained technician will aim the laser at the patches of psoriasis. Since the laser is only focused on the plaques, it never touches the healthy skin, limiting the risk of ultraviolet radiation exposure.

You may require a series of sessions to get the results you want. The number of sessions will depend on the thickness of your plaques and your skin tone. Lighter skin tones typically require lower doses of laser light.

Several other skin ailments may be treated by Excimer Laser therapy. These include, but are not limited to:

• Vitiligo
• Eczema
• White scars

If you have psoriasis or one of the above conditions, you may be able to get relief when you visit our specialist at Metro Dermatology for Excimer Laser therapy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Elmhurst, Englewood, Flushing, or the Bronx.