Excimer Laser
Individuals who are seeking relief from chronic dermatologic conditions have discovered life-changing results with excimer laser treatment. It can provide faster, more long-lasting improvements than many traditional treatments, with minimal downtime and quick sessions, making it convenient for busy schedules. At Texas Dermatology, we are pleased to offer this innovative treatment that significantly improves quality of life and boosts confidence for our patients who are struggling with chronic conditions.
What Is Excimer Laser
The excimer laser works by emitting ultraviolet B (UVB) light (308nm) wavelength at a specific wavelength, which is particularly effective for treating skin conditions due to its ability to penetrate just the top layers of skin. This light interacts with DNA in the skin cells, especially those involved in conditions like psoriasis or vitiligo. By delivering concentrated UVB light, the excimer laser selectively targets and disrupts the DNA of overactive immune cells or melanocytes in these areas.
In psoriasis, for instance, it suppresses the immune activity that causes excessive cell proliferation, thereby reducing plaque formation. In vitiligo, the laser helps stimulate the remaining melanocytes to produce pigment, encouraging repigmentation.
At Texas Dermatology, unlike full-body phototherapy, excimer laser allows us to focus only on affected areas, providing a controlled and precise treatment with fewer side effects. The high intensity of this UVB light also enables faster and longer-lasting results, because it can penetrate deeper and more effectively than broader, less focused light sources.
Treatment Benefits
The excimer laser is a powerful tool in dermatology, particularly valued for its precision and effectiveness in treating a range of skin conditions. At Texas Dermatology, the excimer laser is used to deliver targeted UVB (Ultraviolet B light) to specific areas of the skin, providing several key benefits:
Targeted Treatment
The excimer laser allows dermatologists to focus on the affected skin with pinpoint accuracy, sparing healthy surrounding tissue. This is particularly beneficial for conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema, where only certain areas may need treatment. By concentrating the UVB light only where it’s needed, the excimer laser reduces the risk of side effects compared to broader UV treatments.
Safe & Minimally Invasive
The excimer laser is a non-invasive treatment with minimal discomfort. It provides a safe alternative for patients who may not tolerate systemic medications well or prefer to avoid them due to potential side effects.
Effective for Stubborn Conditions
Patients with chronic skin conditions that haven’t responded well to traditional therapies often find relief with excimer laser treatments. The high-intensity UVB light can penetrate deeper into the skin, effectively treating tough, thickened plaques in psoriasis or stimulating repigmentation in vitiligo.
Long-Lasting Results
Many patients experience significant improvement after a series of excimer laser treatments, with benefits like prolonged remission of symptoms. Regular maintenance treatments can help sustain these results over time.
Skin Conditions That Can Be Addressed
At Texas Dermatology, the use of the excimer laser is part of a comprehensive approach to skin care, offering patients an advanced option for managing their dermatological conditions effectively and with greater comfort.
The excimer laser is highly versatile in dermatology, treating various skin conditions by emitting controlled, high-energy UVB light that targets affected skin precisely. Here’s a breakdown of the primary skin concerns the excimer laser can improve:
Psoriasis
The excimer laser is particularly effective for psoriasis (and scalp psoriasis), especially for stubborn plaques on areas like the scalp, elbows and knees. The UVB light helps reduce excessive cell growth by suppressing the immune response in the affected area, which helps clear plaques and relieves symptoms like itching and scaling. Studies show that targeted laser therapy can provide long-term remission with fewer sessions than other phototherapy options.
Vitiligo
In vitiligo treatment, the excimer laser encourages repigmentation by stimulating melanocyte activity in the skin, which helps return color to depigmented patches. For patients with vitiligo, the laser’s targeted approach allows treatment only on the areas that require repigmentation, often leading to better and quicker results compared to full-body phototherapy.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
The excimer laser is beneficial for eczema patients with localized flare-ups. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness, itching, and swelling in specific areas, making it a suitable choice for eczema patches that have not responded well to topical treatments. The excimer laser is especially valuable for patients who prefer to limit the use of steroids and other medications.
Alopecia Areata
In cases of alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, the excimer laser can promote hair regrowth by modulating the immune response around the hair follicles. This treatment can help stimulate hair growth in patches where alopecia is active.
Chronic Plaque Conditions
Beyond psoriasis, the excimer laser is effective for other chronic plaque-forming skin conditions, like lichen planus. The high-energy light can reduce the thickness of these plaques and decrease inflammation, leading to smoother skin and symptom relief.
FAQs
How Does The Excimer Laser Work?
The excimer laser emits UVB light at a precise wavelength (308 nm), targeting specific areas of affected skin without impacting surrounding healthy tissue. This light disrupts the overactive immune cells that cause issues like psoriasis or vitiligo, reducing inflammation or promoting repigmentation, depending on the condition.
What Skin Conditions Can Be Treated?
The excimer laser is commonly used to treat psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and certain forms of alopecia. Its targeted nature makes it effective for localized skin issues that have not responded to other therapies, offering significant relief for chronic or stubborn conditions.
How Many Sessions Are Typically Required?
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity and type of skin condition. However, patients with some conditions like psoriasis often respond within 6-10 sessions for noticeable improvement.
Is Excimer Laser Covered By Insurance?
At Texas Dermatology, this depends on your insurance benefits and we will provide an estimate prior to the service once we have confirmed your insurance information.
Is There Any Downtime After Treatment?
Limiting sun exposure is important during these treatments and some outdoor activities may need to be limited. Your provider will share any necessary guidelines with you for optimal results.
Are There Research Studies For These Skin Conditions?
Yes, at Texas Dermatology we offer research studies for a variety of skin conditions. You can learn more about our current clinical trials here.
Why Choose Texas Dermatology for Excimer Laser
Choosing Texas Dermatology for excimer laser treatment ensures you’re in the hands of board-certified dermatologists who specialize in advanced, personalized skin treatments. With a team committed to staying at the forefront of dermatologic care, Texas Dermatology offers the latest in excimer laser technology and uses proven protocols to treat chronic skin conditions.
Our offices in New Braunfels and San Antonio, Texas, offer this treatment. Begin your journey with Texas Dermatology today!
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