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Medical Procedures
Skin Cancer Screenings
Skin cancer refers to the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Fortunately, skin cancer is almost always curable if detected and treated early with regular skin cancer screenings. All skin cancers appear to be related to sun exposure. The most common skin cancers are:
· Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) - the most common of all skin cancers. It tends to be slowly growing and frequently appears as a pinkish, translucent, pearly “pimple” that does not go away on sun damaged skin. It can also look like a scaly patch or resemble a scar.
· Squamous cell carcinoma - tends to be more rapidly growing than BCC. It may also spread especially if located on the ear, forehead, lip and top of the hand. It presents as an enlarging scaly nodule with poorly defined borders that may ulcerate. It may arise from actinic keratosis.
· Malignant melanoma - is the fastest growing cancer in the US; the incidence doubling every 10 years. Survival is directly related to early detection since prognosis depends on the tumor thickness. It may spread to the lymph nodes, lung, liver, brain and other skin areas if not discovered and removed surgically in time. Often, the patient will present with a change in an existing mole or new pigmented lesion which often shows irregular borders, varied colors and recent enlargement.
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XTRAC Laser for Psoriasis & Vitiligo
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE XTRAC EXCIMER LASER. PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE: http://www.procyte.com/category.php?cid=5
-XTRAC Excimer Laser for Psoriasis and Vitiligo is a fast and effective treatment that targets right to the spot of the problem without unnecessarily treating the surrounding healthy skin. Some frequently asked questions include:
Q. How does the XTRAC laser work for psoriasis? How does it work for vitiligo?
A. To treat psoriasis, the laser uses a carefully focused beam of laser light through a light guide device to concentrate only on the psoriasis lesion. This allows the clinician to deliver high doses necessary for rapid clearing right to the exact lesion spot, minimizing exposure of healthy skin to random ultraviolet rays. For the treatment of vitiligo, the XTRAC laser utilizes UVB light to potentially stimulate melanocytes that may be present deep in the skin.
Q. Does XTRAC laser treatment hurt?
A. Most patients feel no pain or discomfort during the quick XTRAC laser sessions. Occasionally, some patients report a warm sensation, similar to a mild sunburn, at the treatment site.
Q. How many XTRAC treatments are required?
A. Individual results will vary. For psoriasis, the results vary depending on the body surface affected; however, most patients are able to obtain relief in just ten or fewer brief treatment sessions (often 75% - 100% clearance). For vitiligo, clinical studies have shown that repigmentation will generally begin within 6 to 12 treatments (if it is going to occur), and successful repigmentation can often be obtained in 30 treatments of less.
Q. How long will a remission last for Psoriasis?
A. Remissions are expected to last at least as long as with conventional phototherapy and with fewer treatments per year to remain free of symptoms. Many sufferers experience relief for several months or more.
Q. Will the XTRAC treatments work on my vitiligo?
A. This again will vary from person to person based on a variety of factors. Clinical studies have indicated that the XTRAC laser tends to be most successful treating vitiligo in the face and neck, and least successful in the hands and feet.
Q. Is XTRAC laser treatment covered by insurance?
A. The XTRAC Excimer Laser treatment for psoriasis is generally covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Vitiligo coverage varies per individual insurance plan.
Call our office today at 773.276.1100 to schedule a consultation appointment with your physician to see if you are eligible for the XTRAC Excimer Laser. If you are eligible for treatment, we will work with the XTRAC Laser Insurance Help Line to see if there is additional coverage criteria to meet with your insurance plan. After your insurance has approved coverage, our office will contact you to schedule your first treatment.
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Acne
Acne results when tiny glands beneath the skin surface, the sebaceous glands, become clogged with sebum, an oily substance whose normal collection and excretion keeps the skin healthy. If clogged, bacteria can grow in the glands, which in turn causes swelling and pimpling on the skin’s surface. This can occur anywhere on the epidermis where there are hair follicles below the surface (the sebaceous glands are attached to these follicles), including the face, back, and neck. Acne afflicts adults as well as teens.
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Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, pimples, and, in advanced stages, thickened skin. Rosacea usually occurs on the face, and appears like flushing on the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin. Adult women are afflicted more often than men by rosacea and its onset might be accompanied by a burning sensation, and the skin may be sensitive to lotions or make-up. There are several ways to approach the containment of rosacea. Schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists to design a plan that works for you.
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting about 6 million people in the United States. Small or large round or oval red patches with thick white scales characterize it. These are sometimes itchy, occasionally hurt or bleed, or can be asymptomatic, except for the annoyance of shedding flakes of skin. The most common locations are elbows, knees and scalp, but it may occur on any part of the body. 5% of people with psoriasis also have arthritis. The onset of psoriasis can occur at any age including childhood and old age, although it most commonly appears in the teens and twenties. Sunlight tends to make it better, whereas alcohol ingestion, lack of sunlight and stress tend to exacerbate it.
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Warts
Warts are common growths that are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. This virus is present in the growths as well as on many surfaces touched by our hands and feet. Frequent touching and picking of warts may cause them to spread. Although some people may have a natural resistance to warts, it is advisable to avoid direct contact with warts on other people, and to wear foot protection such as sandals or rubber thongs in places where others go barefoot. Warts may develop on any part of the body including the face, scalp, lip, nose and genital area, as well as on the hands, feet, elbows, and knees.
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