Do you have anything in common with Kim Kardashian, LeAnn Rimes, and Cara Delevingne? If you suffer from the skin condition called psoriasis, like more than seven million others in the United States (including celebrities), you do! At The Menkes Clinic & Surgery Center in Mountain View, CA, you have access to the latest treatment modalities, including XTRAC laser therapy.
Do you have psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a complex medical condition stemming from a malfunction of the immune system. A normal, healthy immune system pushes new skin cells to the surface in a 28 to 30-day cycle. For those with psoriasis, the immune system overreacts, shortening this progression to three to four days. Old skin cells cannot be shed that quickly.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It usually presents as reddish, inflamed patches of skin topped with plaques. These silver-colored lesions are thick, dry, and scaly, and skin in this vicinity may crack and bleed. Plaques are often sore and itchy. While plaques can appear on any part of the body, they often show up on knees and elbows.
There are several varieties of psoriasis, and symptoms can vary greatly from one individual to the next, and one outbreak to the next. Professional diagnosis is essential to developing an effective treatment plan. Nearly 40 percent of patients with skin symptoms of psoriasis also have painful, sometimes debilitating psoriatic arthritis. Without proper treatment, this inflammation can cause permanent joint damage. Psoriasis is also linked to increased risk of eye problems, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
Care tailored to your skin and lifestyle
At The Menkes Clinic & Surgery Center, we know that your skin and your psoriasis aren’t quite like anyone else’s. Our doctors are experienced in evaluating symptoms and analyzing health and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to psoriasis outbreaks. They work closely with you to develop a personalized strategy that may include:
- Corticosteroid cream to reduce mild inflammation and relieve itching.
- Synthetic Vitamin D, applied topically to slow growth of skin cells.
- Anthralin, another topical treatment that helps to remove scales and smooth skin.
- Retinoids – vitamin A derivatives to decrease inflammation.
- Calcineurin inhibitors, which can be applied in delicate areas, such as around the eyes.
- Salicylic acid, in a prescription strength to slough dead skin cells.
- Coal tar, a time-tested remedy, sometimes recommended in the form of a prescription medicated shampoo, for psoriasis on the scalp.
- Physician grade moisturizers to soothe itching, dryness, and scaling.
- Oral antihistamines to calm inflammation and itching.
- Biologics – injectable medications that block abnormal immune system activity.
- Standard phototherapy, or exposure to ultraviolet light. This is sometimes used in combination with a chemical that makes skin sensitive to UV, for deeper penetration.
- XTRAC laser therapy – the modern treatment alternative for mild to moderate cases. Plaques are targeted with a carefully-controlled beam of energy from an excimer laser. The powerful UVB light controls inflammation and scaling.
Advantages of XTRAC
XTRAC excimer laser therapy has become a go-to psoriasis treatment for its many advantages. Because the beam of light is focused only on involved skin, it painlessly treats plaques without harm to adjacent tissues. Sessions take only a few minutes, and fewer treatments are needed than with conventional phototherapy – usually 10 to 12 for clearance. Results are long lasting, too. Many patients remain symptom free for several months. There are no messy, daily applications of topical preparations to deal with, and no risk of drug side effects or interaction. XTRAC treatment is cleared by the FDA. In the skilled hands of our experienced clinicians, there is minimal risk of side effects such as redness or blistering. XTRAC treatment cost is covered by most insurance plans.
The most compelling reason, though, to try XTRAC psoriasis treatment is its effectiveness. While each person’s physiology is unique, in clinical studies patients achieved greater than 95 percent clearance.
Amazing advances are being made in learning why psoriasis occurs, and in treatment options. Until this condition is curable, XTRAC excimer laser treatment can help you achieve and maintain clearer skin, without risk of systemic side effects. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrew Menkes, Dr. Lillian Soohoo, or Dr. Krystal Wang at our Mountain View office to learn more – (650) 962-4600.
