What is the XTRAC laser?

XTRAC is an excimer laser that uses highly concentrated ultraviolet (UV) B light to improve skin disease symptoms. It works at a 308-nanometer wavelength, using similar technology to phototherapy but with significantly faster results.

Traditional phototherapy exposes large areas to UV light, but excimer lasers like XTRAC target a precise location. Most patients tolerate XTRAC laser therapy well, experiencing minimal side effects and little or no pain.

You don’t need any downtime after treatment, and as it’s targeted, XTRAC helps limit damage to healthy skin.

What does the XTRAC laser treat?

The XTRAC laser is an effective treatment for vitiligo (where the skin loses its color in patches) and eczema (atopic dermatitis), but its most common use is treating psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. That means your body’s immune system malfunctions, causing rapid skin cell growth. The excess skin cells form raised, silvery, scaly patches called plaques that are often extremely itchy.

There’s no cure for psoriasis, but the Integrated Dermatology of NJ team offers treatments that can increase remissions – times when symptoms calm down considerably or disappear for a while.

People with psoriasis have used phototherapy for many years to reduce skin symptoms and tackle flares. XTRAC offers a new, safe treatment option that calms the skin and reduces itching. You can use XTRAC alongside other treatments, like calcipotriene ointment and clobetasol propionate spray.

How does XTRAC work?

The XTRAC laser attacks T-cell DNA. T cells are white blood cells that form an essential part of your immune system and play a central role in excess skin cell growth and plaque development.

XTRAC acts directly on your most visible psoriasis symptoms, often reducing flare severity and length considerably. XTRAC can treat several types of psoriasis, but it’s most effective when applied to small areas of affected skin.

When will I see the results of XTRAC laser therapy?

XTRAC lasers quickly improve psoriasis plaques, so you should start benefiting within a few weeks. A typical initial XTRAC course lasts 12-15 weeks, but the Integrated Dermatology of NJ team adapts each patient’s schedule to achieve optimal results.

XTRAC laser therapy improves symptoms, but it doesn’t treat the underlying condition responsible for them. Therefore, you’d need to continue having laser therapy periodically to manage the plaques and reduce flare-ups.

Call Integrated Dermatology of NJ to learn more about XTRAC laser therapy or request a consultation using the online booking feature today.