PhotoMedex Covers XTRAC Laser Treatment Co-Pay for Children with Psoriasis

MONTGOMERYVILLE, Pa., Aug. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PhotoMedex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PHMD), an innovator of medical devices, today launches a co-pay reimbursement offer*  to assist the families of children who suffer from psoriasis.  In honor of the National Psoriasis Awareness Month in August (and continuing through November), children, who may not have been able to afford treatments, will have their XTRAC® Excimer Laser (www.XTRACLaser.com) treatment co-pays covered by PhotoMedex.   All major insurance companies reimburse for XTRAC laser treatments, and now with co-pays covered, new hope is available for this underserved population.

For many children, the disease goes beyond the physical painful red dry patches of scaly, thickened skin and can create emotional scars. Nearly 50 percent of children with psoriasis report that they have been bullied because of their disease.  In a National Psoriasis Foundation survey of children with psoriasis, 44 percent reported that they have been bullied by their peers, and 38 percent stated the abuse was a direct result of their psoriasis.  Of those bullied, 65 percent said it caused anxiety, and nearly one-quarter had a decrease in academic performance.

About 20,000 children under the age of 10 are diagnosed with psoriasis every year in the United States. The XTRAC laser treatment provides relief from itching, redness and pain; without the negative side-effects commonly associated with other treatments, ranging from premature aging of healthy skin to the risk of malignancies and tuberculosis. The XTRAC laser is the only clinically proven, FDA-cleared, dermatology excimer laser with independent safety and quality certifications. It provides targeted phototherapy treatment for psoriasis; offering safe, effective and lasting results.

"Over 7.5 million Americans currently suffer from psoriasis and for children the emotional side-effects of the disease can outweigh the physical pain it causes," said Dr. Alan Menter with Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.  "The XTRAC laser is an important treatment option because it is safe, quick and painless and allows children to get back to simply being a kid."

Patients who use the XTRAC often see a 75 percent or greater improvement in affected areas in six to ten brief treatment sessions, delivered twice a week. The laser is effective even on areas that are difficult to treat, such as elbows, knees and the scalp, as well as widespread psoriasis covering as much as 20 percent of body surface area.

To obtain the co-pay reimbursement offer, consumers can visit www.xtraclaser.com or call 1-800-800-4758 to connect with the XTRAC TeleCare Center to find a participating physician in their area. The rebate offer includes up to $50 reimbursement per treatment for up to 10 treatments.  Treatments must be received between August 1, 2011 and December 1, 2011. Please see full terms and conditions. PhotoMedex is offering a $100 co-pay rebate coupon for adults over the age of 18 that are not eligible for the children co-pay reimbursement offering.

PhotoMedex is also holding the "Itching to Win" contest** through August 14, 2011, in honor of National Psoriasis Awareness Month. Psoriasis patients can enter to win a full series of treatments with the XTRAC Excimer Laser by submitting a 250-word essay and photo. Six winners nationwide will be selected to receive the treatments from a local physician.

For more information about the XTRAC excimer laser, visit www.XTRACLaser.com. The website features a TeleCare Center where patients can speak directly to our highly experienced clinical specialists about the XTRAC laser therapy. These specialists can also assist those interested in making appointments with physicians experienced in providing XTRAC laser treatments.

Learn more PhotoMedex promotions on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Xtrac-Psoriasis-Vitiligo/159178087466723

Connect with XTRAC on Twitter - www.Twitter.com/XTRACPsoriasis and on

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*Terms and conditions may apply. Please read full promotion rules at www.XTRAClaser.com/childrencopay

**Terms and conditions may apply. Please read full contest rules at www.XTRAClaser.com/contest

About PhotoMedex

PhotoMedex is a leader in the development, manufacturing, and global marketing of dermatology products and techniques focused on advancing cost-effective technologies that provide patients with better outcomes and a higher quality of life. The company is uniquely positioned to research and commercialize therapies that innovatively combine both medical devices and science-based aesthetic products. Medical devices include the XTRAC®  Excimer Laser for the treatment of skin diseases like psoriasis and vitiligo and the Omnilux™ non-laser light-emitting diodes (LED) for the treatment of clinical and aesthetic dermatological conditions, including acne, photodamage, skin rejuvenation, and wound healing. Adding to these therapies, the company markets a broad range of specialty skin-care products based upon its clinically proven DNA + Copper Peptide technologies for skin heath and Copper Peptide Complexes for hair and wound care, including its NEOVA®, DNA Damage Control™, Tricomin® and Graftcyte® brands. PhotoMedex sells directly to dermatologists; plastic and cosmetic surgeons, spas; salons; and, through strategic partners, in the consumer market. In addition, the company manufactures and distributes surgical lasers and disposables to hospitals and surgery centers for procedures in urology, gynecology, orthopedics and other surgical specialties. For more information please visit www.photomedex.com.

SOURCE PhotoMedex, Inc.