Bay Ridge Dermatology
05 · XTRAC Laser Therapy

Targeted UVB for stubborn skin conditions.

FDA-cleared excimer laser therapy for psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis — when topicals aren't doing enough. Covered by most insurances.

  • FDA-cleared
  • Insurance often covered
  • 5–15 min per session
A stripe of warm afternoon light across skin — light as gentle therapy.
fig. 05 · phototherapyest. 2008
What it is

Phototherapy, precision-delivered.

XTRAC is an FDA-cleared excimer laser that delivers a precisely targeted beam of 308-nm UVB light. It's the most concentrated phototherapy treatment available — strong enough to treat plaques and patches that haven't responded to topicals, but focused enough that it doesn't expose healthy skin to unnecessary UV.

Treatment is fast (most sessions are 5–15 minutes), tolerable (mild warmth), and covered by most major insurance for the conditions below.

Conditions we treat with XTRAC

Best when topicals have plateaued.

XTRAC isn't usually the first thing we try — but when topical treatments aren't enough, it's often the best next step before moving to systemics or biologics.

  • Psoriasis

    Most studied use

    Localized plaque psoriasis often responds dramatically to targeted UVB — especially on the scalp, hands, knees, and elbows. Most patients see significant clearing in 10–20 sessions.

  • Vitiligo

    Repigmentation

    Repigmentation therapy that delivers UVB only to depigmented patches, leaving healthy skin untouched. Best results on the face, neck, and torso — typically over 24+ sessions.

  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

    When topicals fail

    Stubborn, localized eczema patches that haven't responded to topicals often clear with targeted phototherapy. Especially useful for hands and feet.

  • Alopecia Areata

    Select cases

    Localized patches of hair loss can sometimes be re-stimulated with targeted UVB. Best for stable, well-defined patches.

Why XTRAC over traditional phototherapy

Targeted beats whole-body — almost always.

  • 01

    Targeted, not whole-body

    Traditional phototherapy treats your entire body. XTRAC treats only the affected skin — minimizing UV exposure to healthy areas.

  • 02

    Higher intensity, fewer sessions

    Because the beam is so precise, we can use a higher therapeutic dose. Most patients see clearing in fewer sessions than traditional phototherapy.

  • 03

    Insurance often covered

    XTRAC is FDA-cleared and covered by most major insurance plans for psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis. We verify coverage before your first session.

  • 04

    Fast and painless

    Most treatments take 5–15 minutes. The sensation is mild warmth — no anesthesia required. Come on your lunch break.

What to expect

A typical course of treatment.

  • First visit: evaluation & insurance verification

    We confirm XTRAC is the right approach, document affected areas, and verify your coverage before the first treatment.

  • Treatment schedule: 2–3 sessions per week

    Most patients see meaningful improvement within 6–10 sessions for psoriasis and eczema. Vitiligo typically requires 24+ sessions for repigmentation.

  • Each session is short

    Once we have your treatment parameters dialed in, most sessions are 5–15 minutes. You're in and out — easy to fit into a lunch break.

  • Maintenance after clearing

    For psoriasis, we often taper to a maintenance schedule once you've cleared. For vitiligo, treatments continue until repigmentation plateaus.

See if XTRAC is right for you

Book an evaluation. Coverage verified before you start.

Bring any prior treatment records — we'll review what you've already tried and whether XTRAC makes sense as the next step.