Effectively Treating Psoriasis with an Excimer Laser

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that advances the growth cycle of skin cells, resulting in painful and unsightly patches of inflamed, dry, and irritated skin. Common symptoms of psoriasis include itching, burning, soreness, and the formation of rough, scaly lesions. These lesions (also known as plaques) are the result of an overabundance of skin cells, which form on top of one another, causing continuous irritation in affected areas of the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 7.5 million Americans suffer with at least one of the five forms of psoriasis, 40% of who develop additional complications with joint inflammation brought on by the effects of psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis is a debilitating condition, not only because of the pain and discomfort associated with active lesions, but also by the embarrassment of excessive itching and flaking of the skin. Psoriasis – especially when targeting the face, neck, hands, and other regularly visible areas of the body – can make it exceedingly difficult to focus on daily tasks, and can make sufferers feel humiliated and self-conscious in social settings. Psoriasis is, however, perfectly manageable, and to alleviate the pain, discomfort, and appearance of psoriasis, it is important to follow the proper precautions and pursue effective treatment options.

Using Excimer Lasers to Treat Psoriasis

Although there is no known cure for psoriasis, its symptoms can be managed through proper dermatological care. One of the most effective methods on the market today for treating psoriasis is the excimer laser. Excimer lasers treat psoriasis by harnessing ultraviolet B (UVB) light and focusing narrow bands of this light to concentrated areas of the body. Occurring naturally in sunlight, UVB penetrates the skin and slows the growth rate of affected skin cells. Excimer lasers use a specific wavelength of UVB to ensure that skin is not exposed to harmful radiation, and because of the narrow focus of the light, surrounding skin areas are never targeted.

Other treatments, such as ointments, oral medications, steroids, and injections can prove useful, if not painful, and may result in side effects such as nausea, burning, and wrinkling of the skin. Excimer lasers, on the other hand, are performed safely – with little to no associated pain – over the course of only a few minutes; side effects, occurring rarely, are mild.

Living with psoriasis can be both frustrating and embarrassing. Psoriasis of the scalp can lead to excessive dandruff, while more advanced cases can result in painful and unattractive blistering. However, by speaking with one of our board-certified dermatologists about excimer laser treatments, you can discover how symptoms of psoriasis can be dealt with and greatly alleviated in less time than it takes most of us to get our hair cut.