For most people, psoriasis flares come and go. Often, this means that treatments that worked before may stop being effective, and finding the right long-term approach can take some trial and error. Xtrac is one option that can be a game-changer when topical treatments haven’t provided enough relief. Keep reading to learn how Xtrac works and how you can determine whether it might be a good fit for your psoriasis.
What Is Psoriasis, and How Does It Affect the Skin?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to grow much faster than normal. Instead of shedding gradually, these cells build up on the surface of the skin, creating the thick, scaly plaques commonly associated with the condition. These plaques are often red or discolored, itchy, and sometimes painful, particularly when they crack or become irritated.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, though the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back are especially common areas.
What Is Xtrac?
Xtrac is an FDA-cleared excimer laser device that delivers a concentrated beam of targeted UVB light directly to areas of skin affected by psoriasis. Unlike traditional full-body phototherapy, which exposes large areas of skin (including healthy skin) to light, Xtrac is designed to treat only the plaques themselves.
This targeted approach allows for higher doses of light to be used on affected areas without exposing surrounding healthy skin to unnecessary UVB exposure. Because of this precision, Xtrac has become a popular option for patients dealing with stubborn or localized psoriasis.
How Does Xtrac Treat Psoriasis?
Xtrac works by delivering targeted UVB light directly into psoriasis plaques, where it slows the rapid skin cell turnover that drives the condition. This helps calm the inflammation responsible for redness, scaling, and thickening of the skin.
Because the light is applied only to the plaques, your cosmetic surgeon at Moy-Fincher-Chipps can use stronger, more effective doses than would be safe with full-body phototherapy. Over a series of treatments, this targeted exposure can lead to noticeably clearer, calmer skin.
Dr. Edgar Fincher, a board-certified dermatologist at Moy-Fincher-Chipps, explains why this precision matters for patients.
“Psoriasis treatment isn’t one size fits all, and Xtrac gives us a way to be much more precise with how we deliver light-based therapy. Because we’re only treating the plaques themselves, we can often use a stronger dose than we could with traditional phototherapy, which tends to speed up the clearing process. For patients who have struggled with topical treatments alone, this targeted approach can make a meaningful difference.”
What Types of Psoriasis Respond Best to Xtrac?
Xtrac tends to work particularly well for plaque psoriasis, which is the most common form of the condition. It can also be effective for scalp psoriasis and other stubborn, localized patches that haven’t responded well to topical treatments. It is generally best for patients with a limited number of plaques rather than widespread psoriasis covering large portions of the skin.
Your cosmetic surgeon at Moy-Fincher-Chipps can help determine whether the extent and location of your psoriasis make you a good candidate.
Common areas treated with Xtrac are:
- Elbows and knees
- Scalp
- Lower back
- Hands and feet
- Localized patches on the torso or limbs
What Happens During an Xtrac Treatment Session?
Xtrac sessions are typically quick, often taking just a few minutes depending on how many areas are being treated. The device is applied directly to each plaque to deliver targeted UVB light. There’s no need for topical numbing or extensive preparation beforehand, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately afterward. Because only the plaques are treated, healthy surrounding skin is left untouched throughout the process.
Jeffrey So, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant at Moy-Fincher-Chipps, describes what patients can expect.
“One of the things patients appreciate most about Xtrac is how straightforward the appointments are. There’s no downtime, so patients can come in on a lunch break or between errands and go right back to their day. I always tell patients that consistency matters more than any single session, so we work together on a schedule that realistically fits their life.”
How Many Xtrac Sessions Will You Need?
Most patients require a series of Xtrac sessions, often scheduled once or twice a week, to see improvement. The exact number of treatments varies depending on the severity, location, and history of your psoriasis, and results tend to build gradually. Your cosmetic surgeon at Moy-Fincher-Chipps will monitor your progress along the way and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Is Xtrac Right for You?
Good candidates for Xtrac are typically patients with plaque or scalp psoriasis affecting a limited area of the body, particularly those who haven’t found sufficient relief from topical treatments alone. For patients with widespread psoriasis covering large portions of the body, other treatments may be better. Your medical history, previous treatments, and the specific characteristics of your psoriasis all play a role in determining candidacy. A consultation with a cosmetic surgeon at Moy-Fincher-Chipps is the best way to find out whether Xtrac makes sense for your particular case.
Finding Out if Xtrac Fits Your Psoriasis Treatment Plan
Psoriasis can be a frustrating condition to manage, but targeted treatments like Xtrac offer a great option for many patients dealing with stubborn plaques. Because it’s designed to treat affected areas directly, it can often be used alongside other therapies as part of a broader treatment plan.
The best way to know if Xtrac is right for your skin is through a personalized evaluation with an experienced provider who understands your history and goals. Every case of psoriasis is different, and your treatment plan should reflect that.
If you have questions about your skin, schedule an appointment at Moy-Fincher-Chipps today!
