What Is the XTRAC Laser?
XTRAC laser therapy is a treatment that gets rid of red patches from psoriasis by exposing those patches to ultraviolet B rays (UV B). UV B rays help get rid of patches by acting on immune cells near the surface of the skin. By damaging these cells, red patches or plaques go away. It is one of the types or a brand of excimer laser treatment. XTRAC laser is a painless, highly effective, and safe dermatologist option for treating psoriasis, vitiligo (an autoimmune disorder that causes milky patches on the skin), and atopic dermatitis. It can be used on any part of the body, such as the scalp, palms, feet, elbow, and back. XTRAC laser is not the first-line treatment, but it helps reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. The Food and Drug Administration has approved XTRAC laser for treating psoriasis and other skin conditions. XTRAC laser for psoriasis treatment consists of periods of flare-ups (worsening symptoms) and remissions (symptoms subside). XTRAC treatment improves the symptoms of skin disorder, but symptoms may return when there is a flare-up. However, XTRAC treatment helps in reducing the length of flare-up. This type of laser is a hand-held device that can be used by dermatologists in the clinic.
How Does XTRAC Therapy Work?
XTRAC therapy uses a wavelength of 308 nanometers and works on the mechanism of action of phototherapy, but it is faster compared to phototherapy. The hand-held device has a small size of around 18 mm square, which enables a precision treatment, and it covers a larger area within minutes. XTRAC laser uses UV rays to act on the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of T cells (blood cells that provide immunity). Psoriasis is a condition where there is a disturbed immune system mechanism that causes skin changes and also the development of plaques. XTRAC treatment is painless and does not require local or general anesthesia. Patients require multiple sessions of XTRAC laser therapy for the treatment of psoriasis. Patients generally have a sitting for 20 minutes session after two to three weeks. Usual remission occurs after six to seven months. Clearance is often achieved with 10 to 15 sittings, depending on the severity of the condition.
What Types of Psoriasis Does XTRAC Treat?
XTRAC helps in the treatment of many types of psoriasis, but it is most effective in treating small areas of the body. The dosage of the laser may depend on the type, location, severity, and thickness of the lesion. Some studies showed that XTRAC therapy helps in treating scalp psoriasis, palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, and nail psoriasis. XTRAC treatment can be used with other topical treatments such as Clobetasol and vitamin D ointment (Calcipotriene ointment). Studies also showed that when topical treatment was used with laser treatment, extra benefits were provided to the patients.
What Are the Benefits of XTRAC Treatment Therapy?
XTRAC psoriasis treatment benefits include:
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XTRAC therapy improves the symptoms of psoriasis and reduces the appearance of plaque quickly.
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Some patients do not respond to the conventional treatment and may face side effects. For those patients, XTRAC therapy is considered to be the alternative option.
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The side effects of XTRAC therapy are minimal, and it is a painless treatment.
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XTRAC therapy only focuses on the targeted areas, so no recovery is needed. It does not affect the skin, which is in alright condition.
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This treatment takes only a few minutes and fewer sessions than other treatments.
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XTRAC therapy helps maintain longer remission periods. Studies showed that XTRAC therapy reduces the symptoms of psoriasis in seven weeks, whereas biologics and other treatments take around three months.
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It can treat any part of the body, including the face, neck, scalp, arms, and hands.
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XTRAC therapy does not suppress the immune system, as there is no recovery time.
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There is no thinning of the skin and no appearance of stretch marks, which is common with other topical treatments.
What Are the Risks of XTRAC Therapy?
XTRAC therapy can even work for pregnant, lactating, and patients who are on prescription. The following patients are at risk:
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People who are suffering from lupus (an autoimmune disorder that affects the immune system) should avoid the treatment.
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Patients suffering from xeroderma pigmentosum (a rare inherited condition that makes the skin and eyes extremely sensitive to sunlight) should avoid the treatment.
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Patients with less immunity or a history of melanoma (skin cancer) should take healthcare professional advice to prevent risk.
What Are the Side Effects of XTRAC Therapy?
XTRAC therapy can be used for patients who are suffering from skin disorders such as psoriasis and vitiligo (loss of skin color in patches). The XTRAC therapy treatment is suitable for children and adults with psoriasis present in not more than 10 percent of the body. There are a few side effects of XTRAC laser, and XTRAC therapy is considered safe, but sometimes it can lead to sunburn, redness, itching, and tenderness. Occasionally, it causes blisters. If a patient has an overdose of XTRAC therapy, it can even lead to skin cancer. Make sure you discuss your medical history with your specialist before starting the treatment.
Conclusion
XTRAC therapy is a good option for patients who are not getting relief from the topical conventional treatment. XTRAC therapy can be combined with topical treatment to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. It is a safe therapy but your specialist doctor should be consulted before opting for the treatment plan.
