Doctors have begun introducing an instrument known as the XTRAC laser to treat psoriasis.
Statistically, about four and a half million Americans suffer from psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that is difficult to diagnose and has no cure. The skin troubles associated with psoriasis are caused by abnormal white blood cells. The cells settle into the skin, causing it to become irritated and inflamed.
Experts said the XTRAC laser targets those cells.
Bethesda Dermatologist Dr. Ronald Prussick said the laser works best on people with relatively small, isolated patches that don't respond to other treatments.
"The way it works is it helps get those abnormal white blood cells that are in the skin, back out of the skin back into the blood stream," said Prussick. "It works very well for the scalp, and I also use it for people who have the psoriasis on the hands and the feet, because traditionally, those areas are difficult to treat."
Each laser treatment lasts just a few minutes. But doctors said it usually takes several sessions over a period of weeks to see a difference.
Elizabeth Thornton has been suffering with psoriasis on her hands and feet for two years. She said that at times, it's been so severe she could barely walk and trying to find a treatment that works has been a struggle.
"I've had 10 million creams. I have any cream you can name, I've had so many of them," said Thornton.
The laser has been able to do for Elizabeth what the creams and medications couldn't.
"It cleared up my feet, completely cleared, my hands cleared," said Thornton.
Doctors stress that the laser is not a cure for psoriasis and it only provides temporary relief. They also said the laser won't work for everyone and should be used by people who haven't responded to other treatments.
The cost of the laser treatments is usually covered by health insurance.
