Hi, everyone--
I'm starting treatment with the XTRAC laser for my scalp p. I read some older posts from this site regarding the treatment, but I'd love to bring this issue up again for discussion.
I didn't read many encouraging posts. For those who tried it, did you find that as some spots improved or cleared, new ones popped up in other places? I've had scalp p for many, many years and it's been confined to only my scalp. I'm concerned that if my scalp p starts to improve, the p will pop up on other parts of my body, which would really depress me. The doctor didn't have any definite answers for me, so I thought I'd ask about your experiences. Any info. would be helpful. Thanks!
Ellen


I have no information about laser treatment but would like to know more.
Psoriasis has a nasty habit of popping up in other spots. I have had P for 34 years and that has been my experience. My dermatologist used cortisone injections for a long period of time on the sites and he always targeted the newest spots. By the time that plaques have developed, it is harder to control them. Some victims have said that their P gets milder as they get older. I certainly have not found this to be the case. Post any info that you get on this and other subjects.


I am using the Xtrac laser treatment and just got back from 5th treatment. I have used it before and it put the P on my feet in remission. I am now working on my hands and some little spots on my feet abd toe nails. My feet was disgusting before i started Xtrac, i hope the same will happen to my hand since my hand are always exposed.


Hi hsmith,
Do you have pustular p on your feet? Do the treatments hurt? I have been looking at that also but my feet are so tender on the bottom that my doctor said it would really hurt. He said don't use the laser anymore because it didn't work that good. Where do you get your treatments?
Granny


Hello, how are you doing? I don't think itis pustular since no pus come out. If he knows what he is doing he will start you a a low dose and as you get accustomed increase the dosage, which is what my doctor is doing. The treatment does not hurt when it is being applied, but there is a burning feeling later on, the severity of this differs from treatment to treatment. Also, I have noticed now that after i get the treatment little spots underneath my skin have pus. I have started to pop them and i am not sure if i hould be doing that or not, do u have any advice. The doctor that i se is in new jersey.


Hi hsmith,
Thanks.
If you have pustular p, you have little blister like things that fill with clear or yellowish pus. They dry up in a few days and turn brown. As they heal, the silvery flakes form and eventually come off. I don't think you should open places. It might irritate your skin more. Sometimes if I have a BIG pustular place that hurts, I open it. I am very careful and just put a tiny hole in it to release the pressure. Then I clean it very good.
Granny


Thanks for replying, I will not open it up.


I have heard that this is a promising treatment for mild to moderate P.I would appreciate hearing from anyone with a success storiy using this treatment.I am awaiting reimbursement from local insurance company for extrac before trying it.


I'm bumping this up to the front bec. I think some people could benefit from it.
I just finished my 7th treatment with the Xtrac laser and I'm starting to see some improvement. The scales on my scalp are flat, not thick. I'm still scratching (although less), and I still have flakes (no black sweaters for me this winter!), but I feel I'm making some progress. Baby steps.
The Xtrac laser seems to be working a bit. Slow and steady wins the race...
I realize I'll have p forever, but I'll be happy if I can get some relief.
I strongly suggest you look into this treatment option if you have spotty p or moderate p. Look it up on-line. Ask your derm. Actually, my derm doesn't do the treatment; I have to go to an MD who specializes in light therapy.
Of course, now I'm trading off p for an increased risk of skin cancer.......if it's not one thing, it's something else. :rolleyes:
Ellen


I have been told that the laser only affects the psoraisis tissue not the healthy skin,Therefore there should be no risk of skin cancer.Please let me know how well the laser works for you. I'm told that once it goes away it will stay dormant for 4 or 5 months.I'm waiting for my"#!":### insurance company to reimburse for the treatment. Where are you being treated .What state? What insurance company????


I'm in Maryland. I have Carefirst Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which usually provides excellent coverage. My ins. company is charging me $20/visit, which is my co-pay for a specialist. If I didn't have insurance, the cost would be $250/visit!
When I asked my derm about skin cancer, she said the treatment will put me at a slightly higher than average risk, so she wants to see me once/year for a skin check. I need to live for today, so I'm willing to take my chances.
Let me reiterate that my success thus far has been minimal. I still itch like crazy. But I don't feel the thick scales, which is a step in the right direction.
Ellen