XTRAC Excimer Laser Provides Relief for Psoriasis Sufferers' Fall Flare-Ups

MONTGOMERYVILLE, Pa., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the 7.5 million Americans suffering from psoriasis, the fall season brings more than just shorter days, less access to sunlight and colder temperatures. The season also brings worsening psoriasis symptoms. With XTRAC® Excimer Laser (www.XTRACLaser.com) treatments, psoriasis patients can receive relief from fall flare-ups.

Although every season provides its own unique set of challenges for psoriasis patients, the fall and colder months prove to be more severe with respect to flare-ups. Here are a few triggers and tips, for psoriasis care during the colder weather, from Tampa-based dermatologist Dr. James Spencer, Spencer Dermatology:

1. Less Access to Sunlight: Exposure to ultraviolet light is a key factor in clearing psoriasis symptoms. Since autumn and colder months mean less access to sunlight, psoriasis sufferers often see an increase in flare-ups during this time of year. However, psoriasis patients receive just the right amount of ultraviolet light during the dark days of fall and winter with targeted phototherapy treatments using the XTRAC Excimer Laser. The treatment specifically targets the affected areas with a carefully focused beam of light without exposing the entire body, and provides significant relief after just a few treatments.
2. Bacteria Exposure: Cold and flu season begins and hits its peak during the fall and colder months. Bacterial infections, such as a streptococcal infection (strep throat), are common triggers of a psoriasis flare up. Certain medications including steroids that often treat winter viruses can also cause an increase in psoriasis irritation. So, to prevent flare-ups, try to steer clear of those with colds and infections that can be easily transmitted. Follow the typical cold/flu season guidelines of washing hands frequently and not shaking hands with others that appear to be sick.
3. Wool Clothing: The texture of wool and certain synthetic fabrics rubbing up against the skin is a common stimulus for psoriasis irritation. And since it is more common to wear wool clothing during the winter months, psoriasis patients can expect to experience more itching. Layering with cotton underneath wool will decrease irritation and make flare ups less likely.
4. Stress: Physical and mental stress is another contributor to an increase in irritation from psoriasis. Autumn is the gateway to stressful events such as going back to school and the busy holiday season.  Consequently, psoriasis flare-ups may be more common during this time of year. Take some time to relax and incorporate yoga or meditation into your routine.

"The fall season is particularly challenging for psoriasis sufferers who are not receiving the same amount of sunlight that tends to ease psoriasis flare-ups in the spring and summer," says Dr. James Spencer. "During the colder months the air can become drier, and thus dries out skin as well. The XTRAC laser provides that much needed dose of ultraviolet light to patients while also offering safe, effective and lasting results."

The XTRAC Excimer Laser, developed by PhotoMedex, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHMD), an innovator of medical devices, is the only clinically proven, FDA-cleared dermatology excimer laser with independent safety and quality certifications. It provides targeted phototherapy treatment for psoriasis, offering safe, effective and lasting results. Unlike other treatment options for psoriasis, such as topical steroids, full-body UVB, systemic medications and biologics, XTRAC avoids the often dangerous consequences that those therapeutic options can cause; ranging from premature aging of healthy skin to the risk of malignancies and tuberculosis.

Depending on the extent and severity of the patient's psoriasis, each procedure requires only about five minutes. Noticeable improvements are usually seen within three or four treatments, with many patients seeing 75 percent or more improvement in as few as six to 10 treatments and average remission periods lasting 4-6 months, often longer. The laser is effective even in areas that are difficult to treat, such as elbows, knees and the scalp. XTRAC Laser treatments have been successful with psoriasis that has spread across as much as 20 percent of body surface area.

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 among other symptoms associated with the disease, dry, red, itchy and often painful areas of skin.

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.