NEW ALTERNATIVES FOR TREATING YOUR ACNE

Nearly everyone has acne at some point in their life. While most people associate this disease with their teenage years, it is also very common among adult men and women.

There is no cure for acne. It is instead a chronic condition that can be managed with topical medications, oral antibiotics, new light-based treatments and/or Accutane.

There is no single best treatment for this disease. Each person’s acne responds differently to various treatment alternatives. A dermatologist must develop an individualized regimen for each acne patient that best controls their affliction.

New Acne Treatments

NDDA has had great success in helping many patients control their acne with several new treatments developed over the last few years. These very effective treatments typically have fewer side effects than traditional oral medicines. They include:

ClearLight™

This technology uses specific wavelengths of light which inhibit the growth of the bacteria that causes acne. The chief benefits are that is has virtually no side effects and can be used in lieu of taking oral medications. It is an excellent treatment alternative especially given that forty percent of all acne bacteria is now resistant to traditional antibiotics.

A typical program involves a 23 minute treatment twice a week for four weeks. Patients whose acne responds well to ClearLight™ will typically see results quicker than they would with oral antibiotics. Results often last for up to six months; however, touch-up treatments may be needed in the future.

Clear Light Acne Treatments – Before & After

Photos courtesy of Lumenis

ALA - Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

For patients with severe or cystic acne, a new topical drug called aminolevulinic acid (also known as ALA) is an alternative to taking oral Accutane. ALA is a photosensitizing chemical that is applied to acne lesions prior to ClearLight treatments.

ALA is absorbed by the oil glands and is activated by the light source. The treatment eradicates the acne bacteria, reduces oil production, and minimizes the appearance of pores.

A typical treatment regimen involves applying ALA to the skin for 45 minutes, followed by eight to ten minutes of ClearLight. Patients usually receive two to four treatments separated two weeks apart. The most common potential side effect from the treatment is that patients are sensitive to light and sun for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment.

Acne Surgery

This treatment is designed to improve acne quicker and reduce the risk of scarring from acne. A light fruit acid or clay peel is applied to the face, chest or back prior to performing extractions with a sterile instrument. It is designed to produce quick, long lasting results while enhancing the benefits of the other medical treatments prescribed by your physician.