XTRAC® Excimer Laser

Houston, Texas

Skin Conditions

Dr. Paul M. Friedman and staff at the DermSurgery Laser Center of Houston, Texas are excited and proud to now offer the XTRAC® Excimer Laser by PhotoMedex to treat psoriasis, a skin disorder that also affects the joints.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic recurring condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. These scaly patches are referred to as psoriatic plaques; at these sites, skin rapidly accumulates and takes a silvery-white appearance. Psoriatic patches often occur on the skin of the knees and elbows but can also affect the scalp and genital region. Psoriasis is not contagious, and its cause is not yet known; however, it is believed to have a genetic component. Some of the aggravating factors of psoriasis include stress, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Due to its chronic nature, psoriasis is a very challenging disorder to treat. The XTRAC® excimer laser offers sufferers of psoriasis new hope.

Psoriasis, depending on its severity, can affect quality of life and cause depression in many of its sufferers. Depending on the location of outbreaks and their severity, patients may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Pain and itching can be so severe that basic functions such as sleep and walking are affected. Psoriatic plaques on hands and feet can even prevent some people from keeping certain jobs. The frequency of medical care necessary to treat the condition can interfere with employment and school. Due to the physical appearance of psoriasis, sufferers often have a poor self-image and some even experience social isolation.

New Hope

The XTRAC® laser uses an intense beam of focused laser light to treat psoriatic plaques while leaving healthy surrounding tissue alone. Some of the benefits of the excimer laser include:

• Fast, effective clearing of psoriatic patches often in fewer than 10 short sessions
• Patients typically experience long-lasting relief, often going several months symptom-free
• Treatments are painless and last only a few minutes
• There are no creams and no daily regimen
• Treatment is covered by most major insurance companies

To date, thousands of patients in the United States and other countries have benefited from laser treatment for psoriasis. The XTRAC® laser is the first FDA market-cleared laser system for the treatment of this painful and embarrassing condition.

The highly trained and professional staff at DermSurgery Laser Center believes in providing the finest patient care possible while offering a wide range of dermatological and cosmetic needs. Patients' physical and mental health and comfort are of the utmost importance to Dr. Friedman and his team. By offering the most innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technology available in dermatology today, we provide our patients the best treatment regimen possible for their own personal needs.

Please contact Dr. Friedman at his Houston, Texas office today to learn more about how the XTRAC® excimer laser can provide you relief from the physical and emotional pain you have suffered for years from your psoriasis.