What Is Red Light Acne Treatment?

Acne is a skin infection accompanied by "pimples."

The sebaceous glands, or oil glands are found all over the skin, except on palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Acne is an active infection of the sebaceous glands accompanied by "pimples" on the skin. Overly secreting oil glands and dead skin can accumulate and clog up causing acne. It is mostly mild but if severe infection occurs, permanent scarring can happen. Its involvement is not only limited to adolescent individuals but also in all age groups.

Main treatment of acne is the use of topical and systemic antibiotics. Rapid bacterial mutation and resistance increase in incidence thus, the pressing need for non-antibiotic treatment.

Definition

Acne often improves after sun exposure. It is however dangerous to stay long hours under the sun due to the risk of cancer later in life. The use of artificial red light is a new approach in treating various ailments including acne. It is specifically 660 nm in wavelength that produces the red shade. Red light specifically targets the causative bacterial agent that causes the inflammation. The light can reach the deeper layers of skin without harming the skin's surface thus improving skin texture and reduces the chances of scarring.

Cells

ATP or adenosine triphospate, the energy produced by the cells under red light is further stimulated in the process. It enables the body to make additional energy to help in the infection. Red light has anti-inflammatory properties by stimulating the release of cytokines from macrophages. These cytokines stimulate fibroblast release, the building blocks of new tissue. Its proliferation triggers other growth factors that can greatly influence the inflammatory process, healing and wound repair. It is only seen that there is an effect on cell membrane permeability to calcium ions.

Bacteria

The product of Propioni bacteria acne metabolism is the porphyrine. Under the effect of blue and red light, porphyrine begins to fluoresce. The process releases oxygen that can be used by the cells to fend of bacteria. High oxygen concentration can also be deleterious to the bacteria, killing or slowing its growth.

Treatment Proper

In general, eight sessions are given over a month. A session last for 15 minutes in direct red light, blue light or both. Depending on the preference of the physician, light therapy can be performed in the clinic or by the patient himself. Patients can now buy these products and use it at the comfort of his home. However, it is advised that medical supervision is done to ensure the quality and safety of the procedure.

Side Effects

Redness, swelling, pigment changes and dryness are often seen to light therapy patients. It is mostly mild and diminishes in time. Cases may differ and some types of acne remain unresponsive to treatment.

References

• acne treatment
• Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology 7th edition by Elaine N, Marieb page 103