The Pharos Excimer Laser is a type of ultraviolet laser used to treat a variety of skin conditions. Unlike other forms of laser therapy used for cosmetic procedures, it does not penetrate deeply into the skin. Pharos Excimer Laser treatment can be prescribed by any board-certified dermatologist, and is usually covered by insurance.
Conditions Treated by Pharos Excimer Laser Therapy
The Pharos Excimer Laser is useful in treating psoriasis, which causes outbreaks of itchy, scaly skin to appear at various places on the body. Psoriasis is common and chronic, affecting an estimated seven million Americans. While it is not dangerous or infectious, psoriasis can be annoying and unsightly. Learn about the various ways the Pharos Excimer Laser works to eliminate psorasis.
Another condition treated by the Pharos Excimer Laser is vitiligo. Vitiligo causes white spots to appear on the skin at random places. It most frequently affects the hands and face, and areas around body openings and skin folds. While vitiligo is also not dangerous, it can greatly affect the patient's appearance, especially in patients with darker skin.
What Does Pharos Excimer Laser Treatment Involve?
When performed by a board-certified dermatologist, Pharos Excimer Laser therapy is fast, simple, and should have no major side effects. Some patients may experience a slight burning sensation, like a mild sunburn, afterward. More rarely, there may be increased pigmentation and/or blisters at the treatment site. These side effects should clear up within 12 to 24 hours after the treatment. One treatment session usually requires only 10 to 20 minutes of laser application. Patients should begin seeing clearer skin right away. Full treatment usually requires only about 10-12 sessions. While Pharos Excimer Laser treatment is not a cure for psoriasis or vitiligo, it can provide several months of clear, symptom-free skin once treatment is completed.
Advantages of Pharos Excimer Laser Treatment Over Other Forms of Treatment
There are a variety of other ways to treat these conditions, including topical creams, biologic drugs, and phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet light). However, these treatment methods have drawbacks. Creams require daily application, can become ineffective over time as the body adjusts to them, and have a risk of causing the skin to thin and form stretch marks. Biologics can be expensive and carry a risk of side effects, including organ damage and birth defects while phototherapy requires that healthy skin be exposed to ultraviolet radiation, creating a risk of skin cancer that isn't present with the more targeted cosmetic procedure of the Pharos Excimer Laser. Click here to learn about other laser procedures our office offers.
