Studies Show Combination Laser Therapy Effective At Clearing Acne, Reducing Oil ...( Dermatologist evaluates the latest la...),Health

Dermatologist evaluates the latest laser and light sources approved for treating acne

SAN FRANCISCO, March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From the removal of childhood birthmarks to skin rejuvenation, laser technology has become a mainstay in dermatology. Now, dermatologists are fine-tuning this technology to safely and effectively treat one of the most common skin conditions that plagues teenagers and adults alike: acne.

Speaking today at the 67th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PhD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., presented scientific data illustrating how photodynamic therapy combined with a long-pulse, pulsed-dye laser and topical 5-aminolevulinic acid provides long-lasting clearance of acne lesions.

"Laser technology has made great inroads in the treatment of acne, which until recently has been treated almost exclusively - and with varying degrees of success - with topical, systemic and hormonal medications," said Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas. "Now, we have solid evidence-based medicine supporting the effectiveness of certain laser therapies as a long-term solution for treating active acne. The key is to distinguish the benefits and limitations of these available technologies and select the most effective treatments for each acne patient."

Photodynamic Therapy with a Photosensitizer

In a preliminary study, Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas examined whether a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with a photosensitizer known as

topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and activated by long-pulse, pulsed dye laser could safely and effectively clear mild to severe cases of acne. PDT works by using laser or light energy - in this case a pulsed dye laser was used - to activate the ALA, which is a solution
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