Saturday, May 18, 2013

Acne and Lasers

Acne can be a difficult to control problem for some of its sufferers. While up to 80% of all people have some form of acne between the ages of 12 and 22; a percentage or those who suffer from it need more than just over the counter treatment. They need the personal involvement of a qualified skin specialist.

Acne is the number one reason that people go to the dermatologist. It's the most prevalent skin condition in the U.S. Adding to the difficulty of having and dealing with acne, is the fact that there is so much misinformation circulating about it. There is no link between such things as chocolate, soda, or diet and acne. Rather, acne is caused by hormones (usually at the onset of puberty, when hormone levels increase) leading to excess skin oil production and clogged pores. Getting reliable data about the causes and treatments of acne is a good first step in getting the best treatment.

Most people only go to the dermatologist when their acne has not responded to home treatment, and has progressed to a stage where it is affecting their emotional and psychological state. In the past, the usual course of action taken by a dermatologist for such patients is to prescribe oral antibiotics and topical medications in combination. Now another treatment choice has made itself available in the fight against acne. The laser.

Dermatologists are using a type called a non-ablative laser to treat both acne, and the scars that are caused by acne. The advantage of non-ablative lasers is that they don't remove or injure the top layer of skin (the epidermis), but work on the sub-surface layers. These lasers will shrink the sebaceous oil glands beneath the skin surface so that sebum (oil) production is reduced, which helps to control acne.

This laser uses a longer light wavelength that is absorbed by the water beneath the skin. The heat that this concentrates around sebaceous oil glands can alter their structure and their function, so that they no longer contribute to acne production. There is very little pain or post-procedural recovery associated with this therapy and the results are usually rapid and long lasting.

Skin can be acne free after just a few treatments, and can remain that way for months. The most notable side effects are mild swelling and redness, which can be treated with ice. The treatments take less than twenty minutes each. It may take between 3 to 6 treatments delivered at monthly intervals to achieve a satisfactory level of clear skin.

Along with the treatment of acne, non-ablative lasers can work wonders with acne scars. These scars can wreak havoc with a person's personal life and self-image. In the past, treatments such as dermabrasion and surgery were used to treat acne scars. Now many patients enjoy excellent results with laser therapy. Lasers work by promoting healthy cologne growth beneath the scar tissue without injuring the outer skin layer. This has lead to many patients with a much-improved appearance as a result of the reduction of their acne scars.

It is important if considering laser treatment for acne or acne scars, to find a well-qualified dermatologist who has experience with these techniques. There are some risks associated with the use of lasers, so asking pertinent questions is essential to ensuring that your doctor is well qualified to perform these procedures.








Stephanie McIntyre and Wendell Bryant are Internet developers. Visit their site at [acnesolutionsuniverse.com/research-into-acne-treatments]

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