Electrical Treatment for Acne

The old-fashioned way of treating acne involves antibiotics and topical creams. While this is still a viable option for many acne patients, electric therapy is the most modern form of treatment. There are three different types of laser therapy used to eliminate acne.

Blue Light Therapy

Blue light therapy is ideal for the treatment of acne caused by bacteria called P. acnes. Blue light therapy systems use a high intensity, narrow band of blue light to treat mild and moderate acne. It zones in on the sebaceous glands, killing the acne-forming bacteria. This type of treatment does not cause pain and is generally used multiple times for best results. Some of the side effects include dryness and redness at the site where the light was used.

Heat Energy Therapy

Heat energy therapy also treats bacterial acne and helps to shrink the sebaceous glands. The latter is an added benefit because oil production is decreased, and this is a contributing factor for acne. Most patients with mild to moderate acne enjoy the benefits of this type of therapy, as the combined pulses of light and heat help dry up the skin. This method may cause some redness or dryness on the treated areas.

Diode Laser Therapy

The diode laser is a unique method in that it is able to break down sebaceous glands in the middle layer of the skin, the dermis, and avoids damaging the outer layer. This form of laser treatment is more painful that the other two, however pain can be managed by using analgesics before therapy begins.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Laser therapy is a revolutionary piece of technology to help those suffering from acne. Lasers not only get rid of acne, but they can also help improve the appearance of scars. The effects of laser treatment offer long-term results, whereas gels and antibiotics can wear off quickly. Antibiotics can have many bad side effects like headaches, stomach pain and allergic reactions. Lasers have next to no side effects outside of temporary dryness and redness of affected skin. Lastly, there are no daily medications or topical applications that must be remembered.

One disadvantage of laser therapy is that it is so new that long term effects are unable to be determined at this time. It can be an expensive procedure as well. Every session can run up to hundreds of dollars, and often multiple sessions are required to eradicate acne. Most insurance policies do not cover this type of treatment.

References

• Acne treatments: Emerging therapies for clearer skin
• Acne Patients Seeing the Light
• Blue Light Therapy

Who Can HelpSponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.