XTRAC laser reduces plaque psoriasis in targeted areas by using narrowband UVB light without affecting surrounding skin. It clears localized lesions in 6 to 10 sessions and supports remission for months. Sessions take under 10 minutes, require no downtime, and avoid systemic side effects linked to injections or oral medications.
For patients in New Jersey seeking focused psoriasis care through expert dermatology, board-certified providers deliver evidence-based treatment plans tailored to skin type, disease pattern, and long-term control.
What Is the XTRAC Excimer Laser?
XTRAC excimer laser delivers targeted 308nm UVB light directly to psoriasis plaques to reduce inflammation and restore skin appearance. It uses a xenon-chloride gas system to emit a super-narrowband wavelength proven to induce T-cell apoptosis and reduce keratinocyte overgrowth in psoriatic skin.
XTRAC spares healthy tissue by isolating only affected areas, unlike conventional UVB booths that expose the entire body. Treatments focus on precision and speed,each session takes under 10 minutes, and the laser reaches deeper than traditional light boxes.
FDA cleared the XTRAC laser in 2000, and it remains the only excimer laser therapy endorsed by both the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation. Engineered in collaboration with Harvard’s Wellman Center for Photomedicine, it integrates seamlessly into dermatology clinics for localized psoriasis management.
Who Is a Good Candidate for XTRAC Laser?
Patients with mild to moderate, localized plaque psoriasis benefit most from XTRAC laser therapy. The treatment suits those with small to medium areas of persistent plaques, particularly on the elbows, knees, hands, scalp, and feet.
Candidacy includes:
- Adults or children with psoriasis in limited regions
- Pregnant or nursing patients requiring drug-free options
- Individuals who have not responded to topicals
XTRAC is not used for patients with a history of melanoma, lupus, or xeroderma pigmentosum. Those with widespread or generalized disease may respond better to full-body phototherapy. Patients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) also respond well, as the laser targets specific depth and location without dispersing light across the epidermis.
How Effective Is It? Clinical Results and Study Highlights
XTRAC clears 75% to 95% of localized psoriatic plaques in most patients within 6 to 10 sessions. Clearance typically lasts 4 to 6 months, with many patients maintaining remission longer depending on skin type and immune activity.
- Pediatric Study: 91.3% reduction in lesion severity in children after 10 treatments
- Multicenter Trial: 84% of patients reached 75% or greater clearance within 10 or fewer sessions
- Scalp Psoriasis Trial: 49% of patients achieved >95% clearance using XTRAC in an average of 21 sessions
More than 150 peer-reviewed studies confirm XTRAC’s safety and efficacy. Findings appear in journals including JAAD, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, and Pediatric Dermatology. The laser’s action spectrum aligns with optimal therapeutic UVB wavelength without introducing systemic suppression or skin-thinning risks.
XTRAC vs Other Psoriasis Treatments: What Makes It Different?
XTRAC outperforms UVB booths in precision and speed, while avoiding the systemic effects of biologics and the limitations of topicals.
| Comparison | XTRAC Laser | UVB Booth | Biologics | Topicals |
| Targeting | Affects plaques only | Exposes entire skin | Systemic | Applied manually |
| Speed | 6–10 sessions | 20–30+ sessions | Weeks to months | Daily use |
| Safety | No systemic impact | Full-body UV exposure | Immunosuppressive | Skin thinning risk |
| Convenience | In-office, fast | In-office, long | Requires injections | Ongoing regimen |
Patients using biologics may still integrate XTRAC into care plans to treat resistant spots. XTRAC reduces the need for daily creams and works without side effects like liver stress, injection fatigue, or immune compromise.
What to Expect from XTRAC Laser Therapy
XTRAC treatments are fast, non-invasive, and require no downtime. Each session takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size and number of plaques. Most patients receive treatments two to three times per week, completing their cycle in 10 to 20 sessions.
Patients lie comfortably while the device delivers a focused UVB beam to each lesion. There’s no pain, no anesthesia, and no recovery period. Many resume daily activity immediately after treatment.
Side effects include mild redness, warmth, or dryness, similar to a mild sunburn. Rarely, patients may experience small blisters or darkening at the treatment site. Dermatologists adjust dosage based on your skin’s response to minimize these reactions.
Maintenance sessions may be recommended every few months to manage new plaques or flare-ups. Patients with chronic plaque psoriasis benefit from including XTRAC in their long-term care plan.
Should You Consider XTRAC Laser?
XTRAC laser offers a fast, focused, and non-systemic option for managing localized plaque psoriasis. For patients struggling with stubborn lesions in visible or hard-to-reach areas, it provides clear results in fewer sessions without the systemic risks of biologics or the inconvenience of daily topicals.
Cosmetic Skin’s board-certified dermatologists deliver XTRAC treatment with precision and care, tailoring every protocol to the patient’s skin type, condition severity, and long-term needs.
If you’re seeking safe, dermatologist-guided treatment for psoriasis in New Jersey, contact Cosmetic Skin to schedule a consultation and discover your options for advanced laser care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can XTRAC treat psoriasis on the scalp or hairline?
Yes, XTRAC can treat psoriasis on the scalp and hairline by parting the hair and targeting plaques directly. It avoids surrounding skin and hair follicles, making it ideal for hard-to-reach or densely haired areas.
Is XTRAC suitable for skin of color?
Yes, XTRAC is safe and effective for darker skin tones. It delivers focused UVB light without widespread exposure, reducing the risk of pigment changes often associated with traditional phototherapy in skin of color.
How soon can I resume normal activities after treatment?
You can return to normal activities immediately after XTRAC treatment. Sessions are quick and non-invasive, with no recovery time, allowing patients to continue daily routines without interruption or post-procedure restrictions.
Does XTRAC increase the risk of skin cancer?
Clinical studies show that XTRAC carries a very low risk of skin cancer. Because it treats only the affected areas and avoids healthy tissue, total UV exposure is significantly reduced compared to broad phototherapy.
Can I use moisturizers or creams after treatment?
Yes, gentle moisturizers can be applied after each XTRAC session to soothe the skin. Avoid harsh or medicated creams unless directed by your dermatologist as part of a combined treatment plan.