What is the Excimer Laser?

The Excimer Laser represents one of the most significant advances in recent times for Vitiligo, Psoriasis and Eczema.  

The Excimer Laser is a 308nm laser which emits ultraviolet light under high intensity.  The light is delivered to targeted areas using a handpiece attached to the laser machine with a fibreoptic cable.

The light is similar to that emitted by the narrow band ultraviolet B (nbUVB) machine, except very much more powerful, thereby reducing treatment times to a fraction of that required for nbUVB.

The advantage of targeted therapy is that non-involved areas are not exposed to any ultraviolet light, thereby reducing exposure and limiting side effects.

What conditions can be treated with the excimer laser?

1. •Vitiligo
   

2. •Psoriasis
   

3. •Eczema
   

4. •Lichen Planus
   

5. •Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
   

6. •Granuloma annulare
   

7. •Necrobiosis lipoidica
   

8. •Mycosis fungoides
   

9. •Pityriasis rosea
   

10. •Pityriasis lichenoides
    

© Eczema of the hand after 5 treatments with excimer laser

© Eczema of the heel after 2 treatments with excimer laser

Are there any limitations to treatment?

As the handpiece has a limited size, only small areas are suitable for this treatment

What are the side effects of treatment with the Excimer Laser?

A sunburn reaction may rarely occur.  This may present with varying degrees of redness and even blistering of the skin.  These effects resolve rapidly and are not reasons to end treatment.  Treatments are skipped until the side effects settle.  The dose is reduced and treatment recommenced.  

Can the Excimer Laser cause skin cancer?

Excessive UV light (even from sunlight) is capable of increasing the risk of certain skin cancers.  As the Excimer Laser treats only areas that are involved (and not normal skin), the risk of skin cancers is greatly reduced compared to all other treatment modalities using UV light. 

How long does it take for an area to heal?

This depends on the nature of the condition being treated and the size of the involved area.  Small areas of Vitiligo, Psoriasis or Eczema may heal in as little as three treatments while large areas may take 20 treatments or more.

Do some areas respond better than others?

When vitiligo is treated, the best results are seen on the face.  In fact, this laser has proven to be the best available treatment for vitiligo of the eyelids.  Sites that respond poorly include the fingertips, palms, soles, lips, knees and elbows.

Psoriasis can be treated at any site.  The treatment is particularly useful for the scalp area as the handpiece can be easily applied in this region.

Small areas of eczema may also be treated at any site.

How long does each treatment take?

Depending on the size of the area being treated, generally each sessions of treatment takes only about 5 or 10 minutes. 

How do I determine if I am a good candidate for this laser?

You could made an appointment for an assessment and to discuss the pros and cons on this procedure for your skin.  Tel:  031 265 1505.