National Psoriasis Foundation

XTRAC Laser Provides New Hope for Children with Psoriasis

Developed by PhotoMedex , Inc. (NASDAQ: PHMD ), an innovator of medical devices, the XTRAC laser is a proven, FDA-cleared phototherapy treatment for psoriasis that uses a carefully focused beam of UVB light only on the affected area without exposing healthy skin to UVB rays. While medications and creams are generally accepted to be a patient's only option, parents should know that they can get better—and safer—results for their children with XTRAC laser treatments.

"The XTRAC laser provides mild-to-severe psoriasis sufferers with long-term relief, with remission periods lasting four to six months and often up to a year," said "It allows children to be carefree and avoid the social stigmas often associated with the disease. Psoriasis can have a daunting emotional impact. It often contributes to anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty sleeping and bouts of depression in children and teens."

In a National Psoriasis Foundation survey of children with psoriasis, 44 percent of kids reported they have been bullied by their peers, and 38 percent stated the abuse was a direct result of their psoriasis.  Of those bullied, 65 percent said it caused anxiety, and nearly one-quarter had a decrease in academic performance.

The XTRAC laser also provides children a safer treatment option, allowing them to avoid the often dangerous side-effects of treatment options such as topical steroids, full-body UVB exposure, systemic medications or biologics.  Those techniques may produce a range of effects, from premature aging of healthy skin to the risk of malignancies and tuberculosis.  Patients who use XTRAC often see a 75 percent or greater improvement in affected areas in six to ten brief treatment sessions, which are delivered twice a week. The laser is effective even on areas that are difficult to treat, such as elbows, knees and the scalp, as well as widespread psoriasis covering as much as 20 percent of body surface area. The XTRAC laser is the only clinically proven, FDA-cleared dermatology excimer laser with independent safety and quality certifications.

Phil Mickelson | RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS BLOG

Has made history on the links for almost 20 years. And now, the man affectionately known as “Lefty”, is on a quest off the course to help educate the public about psoriatic arthritis~a condition Phil was diagnosed with a week after the 2010 US Open following ankle pain which created difficulty walking and a finger and wrist feeling as if they were sprained. Phil knew that this was more than simply the typical aches and pains of practicing and playing golf for years, and with the support of his loved ones, he quickly sought the help of a rheumatologist. Phil has joined forces with Amgen and Pfizer Inc. to launch “On Course with Phil”, a disease education program to help increase awareness and understanding of psoriatic arthritis and other related conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis. Through On Course with Phil, Phil aims to encourage people dealing with symptoms of these chronic diseases to take action, educate themselves, and work with a specialist to develop a game plan that’s right for them.

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