PhotoMedex Increases Access to Care for Children in Recognition of World Psoriasis Day, Oct. 29

MONTGOMERYVILLE, Pa., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PhotoMedex, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHMD), an innovator of medical devices, including the XTRAC® excimer laser (www.XTRACLaser.com), is offering a special co-pay reimbursement program to increase access to XTRAC psoriasis treatments for children, an underserved population of psoriasis patients.

The offer is being presented in recognition of World Psoriasis Day on October 29. Conceived by patients for patients, World Psoriasis Day is a global event focusing on increasing awareness about the burdens of living with psoriasis, a severe chronic inflammatory disease that affects all ages, genders, races and ethnicities.  Globally, more than 125 million people suffer from psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, many of whom are children. In the United States alone, more than 20,000 children a year are diagnosed.

The painless XTRAC excimer laser provides targeted phototherapy treatment for psoriasis; offering a safe, effective treatment with longer lasting results. Other treatment options for psoriasis, such as topical steroids, full-body UVB, systemic medications and biologics can have dangerous side effects.  The XTRAC is the safest choice for children, as it accurately targets only the affected areas with safe, phototherapy light. Because there is currently no cure for psoriasis, patients who develop the disease at a young age need to utilize a safe, effective treatment that will not produce negative, long-term side effects.  The XTRAC excimer laser is the only clinically proven, FDA-cleared dermatology excimer laser with independent safety and quality certifications.

"For children, the treatment options are often more limited than for adults, and those that are available often have many dangers associated with them or become ineffective over time," said Dr. Barry Auster, dermatologist at Oakland Aesthetic Dermatology in Farmington Hills, Mich. "The XTRAC excimer laser treatment is a great option for children because it provides safe, effective and lasting results that eliminate the need for messy creams or steroids. This co-pay reimbursement offer can help children, who may have otherwise not considered the treatment because of costs, finally experience relief."

Inconsistent care and access to care are two major issues for all psoriasis sufferers but are even more of a concern for children.  According to a recent study, children with psoriasis are most likely to receive inconsistent care, and the course of treatment prescribed may depend on whether they see a pediatrician, dermatologist or internist. In 3.8 million visits, about 63 percent of kids saw a dermatologist, 17 percent saw a pediatrician, and 14 percent went to an internist. Researchers found that pediatricians, dermatologists and internists often take different approaches to how they treat children with psoriasis, including the types and strengths of medication they use. It is important that psoriasis sufferers see a qualified dermatologist who offers the latest, safest and most effective treatment options, such as the XTRAC laser.

Broad coverage of the XTRAC treatments for psoriasis by Medicare and all major insurance companies now provides greater access to care for psoriasis sufferers who have spent their lives suffering from dry, red and itchy skin, among other symptoms associated with the disease.

For more information about the XTRAC excimer laser, visit www.XTRACLaser.com. The website features a telecare center where patients can speak directly with highly experienced clinical specialists about the XTRAC laser therapy. The specialists also will assist those interested in making appointments with physicians experienced in providing XTRAC laser treatments.

Connect with XTRAC on Twitter - www.Twitter.com/XTRACPsoriasis and on

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Xtrac-Psoriasis-Vitiligo/159178087466723

About PhotoMedex

PhotoMedex is a leader in the development, manufacturing, and global marketing of dermatology products and techniques focused on advancing cost-effective technologies that provide patients with better outcomes and a higher quality of life. The company is uniquely positioned to research and commercialize therapies that innovatively combine both medical devices and science-based aesthetic products. Medical devices include the XTRAC®  Excimer Laser for the treatment of skin diseases like psoriasis and vitiligo; and the Omnilux™ non-laser light-emitting diodes (LED) for the treatment of clinical and aesthetic dermatological conditions, including acne, photodamage, skin rejuvenation, and wound healing. Adding to these therapies, the company markets a broad range of specialty skin-care products based upon its clinically proven DNA + Copper Peptide technologies for skin heath and Copper Peptide Complexes for hair and wound care, including its NEOVA®, DNA Damage Control™, Tricomin® and Graftcyte® brands. PhotoMedex sells directly to dermatologists; plastic and cosmetic surgeons, spas; salons; and, through strategic partners, in the consumer market. In addition, the company manufactures and distributes surgical lasers and disposables to hospitals and surgery centers for procedures in multiple surgical specialties.  For more information please visit www.photomedex.com.

SOURCE PhotoMedex, Inc.