Excimer Laser
Manage Vitiligo and Psoriasis with Light at South Shore's South Coast Dermatology
There are some skin conditions that medical dermatology can help manage, but not cure. Psoriasis (which causes thick plaques to form) and vitiligo (which causes patchy pigmentation loss) fall into this category. Both are diseases that sufferers deal with for life—a reality that can be made easier with Excimer Laser at South Shore's South Coast Dermatology.
Excimer Laser uses a focused beam of light at a wavelength of 308 nm. This targeted wavelength has been shown to be particularly effective in treating both psoriatic plaques and vitiligo. The ray of light is delivered via a handheld wand that focuses on the lesions themselves, rather than treating your entire body, as with narrowband UVB phototherapy. The advantages of this FDA-approved treatment include faster clearance of lesions, because a higher dose can be delivered to the specific areas that need it without negatively impacting healthy skin. Excimer Laser can also be used to treat areas that are difficult to treat in a phototherapy unit, such as behind the ears and the genitals.
Send a message online today to set up a consultation to discuss Excimer Laser in Weymouth, the South Shore, and all of Massachusetts at South Coast Dermatology. Call 781.335.9700 for more information.
What Does an Excimer Laser Treatment Involve?
An Excimer Laser treatment must be prescribed by a doctor and is performed by a laser technician under the supervision of a physician.
Patients receiving Excimer Laser for their vitiligo or psoriasis attend treatments one to three times weekly, with each session lasting minutes. The amount of UV delivered is calculated carefully and monitored based on the patient's skin type, age, skin condition, site of treatment, and prior response to treatment.
Most patients who undergo this treatment report feeling no pain or discomfort. Anesthesia is not required.
Meet Our Physicians
Heidi Anderson-Dockter M.D.
Dr. Anderson-Dockter is a highly trained dermatologist in general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a faculty member at Roger Williams Medical Center.
Meet Dr. Heidi Anderson
Meet Our Physicians
Susan D. Decoste, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. DeCoste practices general, medical and surgical dermatology with a strong background and interest in laser and cosmetic dermatology.
Meet Dr. Susan D. Decoste
Meet Our Physicians
Teresa DeGiacomo, M.D.
Dr. DeGiacomo is a longtime fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, with a strong interest and experience in cosmetic dermatology.
Meet Dr. Teresa DeGiacomo
Meet Our Physicians
Courtney Csikesz, M.D.
Board certified in dermatology and pediatric dermatology, Dr. Csikesz practices general, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology with clinical interests in acne, pediatric surgery, and lasers.
Meet Dr. Courtney CsikeszHow Many Excimer Laser Treatments Will I Need?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the skin condition being treated and the extent of the condition. Usually, some response is noted in six to eight treatments. Often, a complete response occurs in 20 to 30 treatments.
Psoriasis patients report significant periods of relief after successful Excimer Laser treatments, with results that can last up to six months longer than plaque cleared by other treatments.
Am I a Good Candidate for Excimer Laser Treatment?
Excimer is especially effective for patients dealing with resistant psoriasis or vitiligo. Its ease of application and lack of potential side effects associated with other treatments, such as topicals or biologics, make it ideal for patients of all ages, including children. Excimer is a treatment of choice for patients who want to target their specific skin problems while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue intact.
Are There Other Lasers at South Coast Dermatology?
While the Excimer Laser is our team's treatment for psoriasis and vitiligo, there are other lasers and light-based treatments that focus on specific skin and hair conditions, including IPL for lesions and visible veins, laser hair removal, and laser tattoo removal. Talk with your doctor to find out which laser treatment may be best for your specific needs.
Get help with Excimer Laser treatments at South Coast Dermatology, serving the South Shore and beyond in Massachusetts. To arrange a consultation, send a message online. Call 781.335.9700 for more information.
