Kat's journey with laser therapy (XTRAC)

[Kat]

I'm not surprised, it has been mentioned a couple of times on here but no one has ever reported back with a good result. But at least you tried it and have reported back and we now have first hand experience we can point others to.

Unfortunately it's one of those treatments that will never give lasting results. But that is just my opinion and we all have to try things till we find what works for us.

Good luck at your next appointment Kat, at least you have some time have read up on your next option.

Thanks Fred! Yes I have a little time to figure things out.

And yes even if the laser therapy works, it only works for a short while. I do think there may be some people who it can help as the trials point to it helping some, but I wasn't one of them. Having to go twice per week for about 3 months to be clear for only an average of 6 months (some more, some less) for some is less than ideal, but for others it could well be worth it if it works. I don't think I'm a good subject to use to see if the treatment works or not.

[bobison1941]

Thank you for sharing your laser therapy journey with us, Kat!  I've given it thought in the past, but your experience and my dermatologist's advice have now convinced me it's not the way to go.  My dermatologist, who has every kind of laser you can imagine, told me he does not treat psoriasis with the excimer laser because at best it can only help the surface appearance and doesn't treat the inner part of psoriasis.  For info, he finally prescribed a compound topical for me which has worked better than Clobetasol and all the other steroid topicals I have tried.  It's called LCD Flourocininide.  As for my scalp issues, he recommended I use DHS Tar Gel Shampoo, and over the years it has kept my scalp issue under control.  Yes, there's that tar odor initially after I use it, but it fades rather quickly.

Regarding your burn issue with the laser (so sorry), I sustained a similar burn on both shins while undergoing UV Light Therapy (Light Box) after I was prescribed a med by another doc which made my skin more susceptible to sunburn.  It took me most of a year to finally get rid of the ugly red mask the burn left on both legs.  Since I had initial good results with the light box, my doc thought I could then go back on light box treatments, gradually, but I found that after the severe burn my legs were hypersensitive to the sun and it only made my psoriasis worse.  I'm a tennis player and out in the sun hours at a time.  So now with the sun sensitivity caused by the light box/medicine burn I have to wear knee high socks to protect my lower legs.  Sun block isn't enough.

God bless you and grant you a routine/therapy which will help you get your psoriasis under control to your satisfaction.

Bob

[Kat]

Thank you for sharing your laser therapy journey with us, Kat!  I've given it thought in the past, but your experience and my dermatologist's advice have now convinced me it's not the way to go.  My dermatologist, who has every kind of laser you can imagine, told me he does not treat psoriasis with the excimer laser because at best it can only help the surface appearance and doesn't treat the inner part of psoriasis.  For info, he finally prescribed a compound topical for me which has worked better than Clobetasol and all the other steroid topicals I have tried.  It's called LCD Flourocininide.  As for my scalp issues, he recommended I use DHS Tar Gel Shampoo, and over the years it has kept my scalp issue under control.  Yes, there's that tar odor initially after I use it, but it fades rather quickly.

Regarding your burn issue with the laser (so sorry), I sustained a similar burn on both shins while undergoing UV Light Therapy (Light Box) after I was prescribed a med by another doc which made my skin more susceptible to sunburn.  It took me most of a year to finally get rid of the ugly red mask the burn left on both legs.  Since I had initial good results with the light box, my doc thought I could then go back on light box treatments, gradually, but I found that after the severe burn my legs were hypersensitive to the sun and it only made my psoriasis worse.  I'm a tennis player and out in the sun hours at a time.  So now with the sun sensitivity caused by the light box/medicine burn I have to wear knee high socks to protect my lower legs.  Sun block isn't enough.

God bless you and grant you a routine/therapy which will help you get your psoriasis under control to your satisfaction.

Bob

Thanks Bob! I'm also glad you found my information helpful. With you already having UV Light Therapy and it made your skin more sensitive to sun (light) then I think you are wise to question using Laser Therapy.

I've thought about trying a Tar based shampoo and should probably order some to see if it helps. Thanks for the information!