Skin
Read about Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis Treatment
Topical, systemic and light-based treatment for thick, scaly plaques.
Details
Medical dermatology
UVB Light Therapy with the Exci308 in Ponte Vedra Beach
Focused excimer light treats patches of psoriasis and eczema directly, sparing the healthy skin around them, as part of a plan from a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist.
Device
Exci308 by Aerolase
Light
308 nm targeted UVB
Treats
Psoriasis, eczema
Insurance
Varies by plan; we help verify
What is excimer UVB light therapy?
Short answer
Excimer light therapy treats patches of psoriasis and eczema with a focused beam of 308 nm ultraviolet B (UVB) light. The Exci308 is a handheld excimer device, not a laser, that delivers the light only to the affected skin, so the healthy skin around it is not exposed. The light calms the overactive immune cells in the patch and reduces inflammation.
Light therapy, also called phototherapy, has long been part of psoriasis and eczema care. Traditional phototherapy exposes large areas of skin, often in a full-body light booth. Excimer light treats only the patches that need it, which suits stubborn plaques on the elbows, knees and scalp.
Sessions are short and done in our office. Treatment works over a series of visits, and Dr. Cappel adjusts each dose to how your skin responds.
Why targeted light
Benefits of excimer light therapy
Excimer light brings phototherapy into a short office visit and aims it only where it is needed.
-
Targeted to the patch
Light goes only to the affected skin, so healthy skin around each patch is spared unnecessary exposure.
-
Short, in-office sessions
No light booth and no full-body exposure. Each session treats your patches with a handheld device.
-
Reaches the scalp
The handheld device can treat scalp psoriasis and other areas that are hard to reach with creams.
-
For all skin types
Aerolase designed the Exci308 for patients of every skin type.
-
Dosed by your dermatologist
Dr. Cappel sets the dose for each patch and adjusts it as your skin responds.
-
Part of a complete plan
Light therapy can sit alongside topical medication and medical-grade skincare in one plan.
What does excimer light therapy treat at Dermagnify?
Dr. Cappel uses the Exci308 for psoriasis and eczema that have not settled with skincare and topical medication alone.
- Psoriasis: thick, scaly plaques, including scalp psoriasis. About psoriasis treatment
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): persistent itchy, inflamed patches. About eczema treatment
What happens during a session?
You wear protective eyewear while the handpiece is held over each patch to deliver short pulses of light. Sessions are typically comfortable, and treating a few patches takes only a short visit.
Afterwards, treated skin may look pink, like a mild sunburn, for a day or two. Occasionally a treated patch blisters or darkens for a while. Let us know about any reaction so your next dose can be adjusted.
How many sessions will I need?
Excimer light works over a series of sessions. Aerolase reports that visible improvement often appears within 4 to 6 sessions and that clearing often takes 10 to 20. Dr. Cappel sets your schedule and tracks your progress at each visit.
Psoriasis and eczema are chronic conditions, so patches can return. Medication and skincare help keep skin clear between flares, and light therapy can be repeated if a flare comes back.
Treatment overview
What to expect, from consultation to clear skin
-
01
Consultation
Dr. Cappel examines your skin, confirms the diagnosis and reviews your medications and any history of sun sensitivity.
-
02
Your plan
He decides whether excimer light suits you, which patches to treat and how it fits with your medication and skincare.
-
03
Treatment sessions
With protective eyewear on, each patch is treated with short pulses of targeted 308 nm light.
-
04
Between sessions
Protect treated skin from extra sun, keep using your skincare and medication as directed, and tell us about any blistering.
-
05
Results
Improvement builds over a series of sessions. Aerolase reports visible change often within 4 to 6.
-
06
Follow-up
Dr. Cappel adjusts your dose as your skin responds and plans how to keep it clear.
Suitability
Is excimer light therapy right for you?
A good fit if
- You have psoriasis plaques, including on the scalp, that have not cleared with creams
- You have stubborn eczema patches in a limited area
- You would rather treat only the affected skin than your whole body
- You can come to the office for a series of short sessions
Not the right treatment if
- Your skin is unusually sensitive to sunlight, or you take medication that increases sun sensitivity
- You have lupus or another condition made worse by ultraviolet light
- Your psoriasis or eczema covers large areas of your body
Dr. Cappel will recommend another approach, such as prescription medication or the Aerolase Neo laser. See psoriasis treatment and eczema treatment.
Compared
Excimer light compared with other options
| Treatment | Primary target | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exci308 excimer light | Psoriasis and eczema patches | Targeted 308 nm UVB light calms the immune response in the patch | Stubborn, limited patches and the scalp |
| Aerolase Neo laser | Inflammation, redness, itching | Laser energy calms inflammation deep in the skin | Enhancing results alongside medical treatment |
| Prescription medication | Psoriasis and eczema anywhere on the body | Topical, oral or injected medication that controls inflammation | Most patients, including widespread disease |
Who performs this
Dr. Mark A. Cappel, MD
Double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist
Dr. Cappel decides whether excimer light suits your skin, sets the dose for each patch and builds it into the rest of your psoriasis or eczema treatment.
Read full profileQuestions
Questions about UVB Light Therapy
No. The Exci308 is a handheld excimer light device. It delivers 308 nm ultraviolet B light, the same wavelength used by excimer lasers, focused on the affected skin.
Traditional narrowband UVB phototherapy usually exposes large areas of skin, often in a full-body light booth. Excimer light treats only the affected patches, so healthy skin is spared unnecessary exposure.
Sessions are typically comfortable. Treated skin may look pink, like a mild sunburn, for a day or two afterwards.
It varies with your condition and how your skin responds. Aerolase reports that visible improvement often appears within 4 to 6 sessions and that clearing often takes 10 to 20. Dr. Cappel sets your schedule.
Often, yes. Light therapy can be combined with topical medication and medical-grade skincare. Tell Dr. Cappel about every medication you use, because some increase sensitivity to light.
Coverage depends on your plan and diagnosis. We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and Medicare for medical visits, and our team will help verify your coverage before you start.
Where
UVB Light Therapy in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
At our office at 100 Executive Way, Suite 114, Ponte Vedra Beach, under the care of Dr. Cappel, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist.
Patients see us from Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Palm Coast and across Northeast Florida.
- HoursMonday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Phone(904) 686-7771
- PaymentAetna, BCBS of Florida and Medicare accepted for medical visits
Also consider
Related care at Dermagnify
-
-
SkinRead about Eczema TreatmentEczema Treatment
Relief for dry, itchy, inflamed skin and the triggers behind it.
Details -
FaceRead about Medical-Grade SkincareMedical-Grade Skincare
Barrier-repairing products for daily care between flares.
Details