PhotoMedex's 'Itching to Win' Contest Offers Free Phototherapy Treatments With the XTRAC Laser to Deserving Psoriasis Patients Nationwide

MONTGOMERYVILLE, Pa., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Psoriasis Awareness Month in August, PhotoMedex, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHMD), an innovator of medical devices, today has launched the "Itching to Win" contest, an opportunity for six deserving psoriasis patients to win a full series of treatments with the XTRAC excimer laser.

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.

Beginning July 18, 2011, contestants can enter by sharing their personal battle with psoriasis and how it's affected their lives.  To enter, contestants will tell their story in 250 words or less, complete a short questionnaire and submit a photo before August 14, 2011 at midnight (ET).  One winner, not limited to location within the continental U.S., will be chosen in addition to one winner in each of these cities: Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Tampa, Fla. and Phoenix, Ariz.

Winners will receive a full series of XTRAC excimer laser treatments* from a participating dermatologist in their area.  All contestants will receive a free sample of NEOVA Intense Brightening Complex, a highly effective, illuminating formula that minimizes the appearance of localized discolorations, speeds the emergence of undamaged, healthy skin and brightens without irritation.  For more information on how to enter and for full rules and restrictions, contestants should become a fan of the XTRAC Facebook page.

"I'm honored to be a part of this program and help deserving patients find relief through a safe and effective treatment option," said Dr. Amy Forman Taub, Medical Director of Advanced Dermatology in Chicago. "I have seen many patients with excellent results from the XTRAC laser, dramatically improving the appearance as well as symptoms of psoriasis."

Psoriasis continues to be the number one most prevalent autoimmune disease in the country affecting more than 7.5 million Americans.  Depending on the extent and severity of the patient's psoriasis, each XTRAC laser procedure requires only about five minutes. Noticeable improvements are usually seen within three or four treatments, with many patients seeing 75 percent or more improvement in as few as six to 10 treatments and average remission periods lasting 4-6 months, often longer.  The laser is effective even in areas that are difficult to treat, such as elbows, knees and the scalp.  XTRAC Laser treatments have been successful with psoriasis that has spread across as much as 20 percent of body surface area.

The XTRAC laser is an effective treatment option that allows patients to avoid potential negative side effects of other treatment approaches such as topical steroids, full-body UVB exposure, systemic medications or biologics.  Those techniques may produce a range of effects, from premature aging of healthy skin to the risk of malignancies and tuberculosis. The XTRAC excimer laser uses a precisely focused beam of ultraviolet light only on the affected skin area, avoiding exposure to healthy skin and potential negative side effects.

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

Learn more about how to enter the contest- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Xtrac-Psoriasis-Vitiligo/159178087466723

Connect with XTRAC on Twitter - www.Twitter.com/XTRACPsoriasis and on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Xtrac-Psoriasis-Vitiligo/159178087466723

*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.