Technological acne treatment

Technological breakthroughs in light therapy and laser dermatology have revolutionized the field of adolescent and adult acne treatment. Traditionally, physicians have deployed a barrage of oral antibiotics and topical Vitamin A derivatives to treat inflamed or infected pores. While the antibiotics are effective, patients can develop high tolerances, and side effects are legion. Recent technological advances of blue Omnilux light therapy and pulsed-dye laser dermatology signal a new age in acne treatment and prevention.

Bacteria Won't Tolerate Blue Light

Blue light treatments have shown promise in fostering relief from lesions and infected ducts. Patients sit under blue light for 15-20 minutes, one to two times a week, over the course of six weeks. They wear eye protection, but they reportedly experience no discomfort, burning, or dramatic changes in pigmentation once the initial reddening subsides. The treatment bombards porphyrin in the infected area and the UVB blue light damages free radicals in the porphyrin molecules. Bacteria can’t thrive under these conditions and the inflammation subsequently subsides or is resolved completely. Recent test findings reveal a 60% reduction in visible acne following four initial visits. Physicians report that once they have installed the dermatology equipment in their office, there are no material outlays beyond protective lenses.

Zapping The Problem

The pulsed-dye laser represents another technological breakthrough in treating skin bacteria and acne infections. In laser light therapy, the patient’s affected tissue is treated with a topical anesthesia solution and, 15 minutes later, the area receives repeated laser pulses in adjacent rows. The only reported drawback involves possible splotching or uneven pigmentation in the treated area. These new technological breakthroughs may provide long-term, drug-free relief to acne sufferers.