The EX-308 creates a concentrated, but painless beam of ultraviolet light that is delivered to vitiligo patches through a handpiece that rests directly on the skin. By targeting depigmented patches, the laser stimulates repigmentation and limits exposure to healthy skin.







  Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is one of the most common forms of hair loss. The loss of hair usually occurs without subjective complaints. However, more severe forms of the disease can lead to marked psycho-social problems. The use of the new Pharos Excimer Laser, is an effective, elegant and safe means of treatment and has good tolerability.

  Results

After 11 and 12 sessions within a 9-week and 11-week period, the entire affected focus showed homogenous and thick regrowth. No relapse was observed during the follow-up period of 5 and 18 months.

  Conclusions

The use of the excimer laser is an effective, elegant, and safe means of treatment and has good tolerability. Analogous to topical treatment of alopecia areata, the immunosuppressive mechanism of the excimer laser can be interpreted as an induction of T-cell apoptosis. This new means of treatment has yet to be discussed in medical literature. Further studies with greater numbers are needed to assess its potential more precisely and evaluate the excimer laser in treating alopecia areata. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:86-90, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  Who is a candidate for treatment?:

Excimer laser theraphy is for patients of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. The laser is ideal for localized areas including the face, neck and torso. Traditionally hard-to-treat areas such as the underarms, hands, and feet are also easily treated, thanks to the laser's aiming beam and adjustable spot size handpiece. The targeted therapy can effectively treat stubborn patches, even those that have not responded to other treatments.

  How does treatment compare with other vitiligo treatments?

Unlike most treatments that have low efficacy or significant side effects, the laser effectively repigments with a small number of treatments in a relatively short period of time with minimal side effects.

Compared to UVB booths and PUVA that may take 6 months to 1 year of sessions, most excimer laser patients achieve repigmentation in 30 or fewer sessions. Total UV radiation is lower than with UVB booths or PUVA. Treatments are fast and no pharmaceuticals are needed.

  Is treatment safe?

The laser may have fewer shortcomings than many common vitiligo treatments. Due to the targeted nature of laser therapy, healthy skin exposure to the ultraviolet light is limited. This reduces the total UV radiation and may lower the risk of premature skin ageing and carcinogenesis that is often associated with UVB booths and PUVA. There is no thinning of the skin, easy bruising, or stretch marks often caused by steriods, nor any of the nausea or vomiting caused by psoralen.

  What can I expect during treatment?

Treatment will take place in your doctor's office. First, your doctor will determine the best dosage level for you. Then, the doctor will place the handpiece directly on the vitiligo patch and apply the laser therapy. You will hear a gentle hum and see a blue coloured light from the handpiece tip. Most treatments take only a few minutes.

  Does treatment hurt?

No. Most patients experience no pain or discomfort. A few patients may feel slight warmth shortly after treatment. This warmth is mild and short-lived. No anesthesia is needed.

  How many treatment sessions will I need?:

Your doctor will create a customized course of therapy for you based upon the extent, degree of depigmentation, and location of the patches. Patients may enjoy repigmentation after 30 or fewer sessions.

  How do I prepare for treatment?:

No extensive preparation is required for laser therapy. Just ensure that the skin to be treated is clean, dry and free of any make-up, lotion or creams containing SPF protection.

  Are there side effects?:

The side effects of laser therapy is minimal. Most patients have reported a mild and short-lived redness at the treatment site. More serious side effects such as blistering and hyper-pigmentation are rare and short-lived.