Latest Acne Research

Acne research is still under a lot of research in the dermatology world. The current acne treatments available and under research are: -

· Antibiotics & Acne Laser Treatment & Blue Light for Acne

· Viral Therapy for Acne How Isotretinoin can help Acne

· Hormone Suppression as an Acne Remedies (birth Control Pills)

· Mild Acne and Benzoyl Peroxide, Exfoliators, Toners and other Acne Prevention Creams

Antibiotics & Acne This type of treatment has been used effectively for more severe cases of acne. However, new research published in U.S.A. Today in May of 2004 indicates that the specific bacteria associated with severe acne, Propioni bacterium are becoming increasing resistant to antibiotic treatments. The result is in the future antibiotics will become less useful as a clinical treatment for sever acne. Alternative acne treatment methods such as herbal remedies are becoming increasingly useful and helpful.

Laser Surgery and Acne Meanwhile, British researchers have discovered that a laser used to treat other skin problems such as wrinkles and scars appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of acne. The benefits of laser technology in the treatment of acne are enormous. Treatments does not rely on invasive procedures, such as puncturing acne lesions, antibiotics, or hormonal therapies could be the wave of the future. Research continues into why the laser induces the production of chemicals that reduce inflammation and prevents acne spots from developing.

Are laser and light treatments really light years ahead of conventional acne therapy? If you are tired of applying messy lotions and remembering to take medications as prescribed? Then you may be wondering if a laser or light therapy is right for you. To shed some light on these therapies, this article explains what research studies show and why lasers and light therapies still are not routinely prescribed to treat acne.

What Research Shows Data from clinical trials is limited. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classify laser and light therapies as procedure-oriented, so the stringent, long-term studies necessary for approval of drugs is not required. As such, more comparative studies are needed to determine long-term effects and to perfect these technologies. However, data from recent studies indicates that laser and light therapies show much promise in treating acne. Here’s what is known:

Blue-light therapy. The FDA approved narrow-band, high-intensity blue-light therapy for treating acne. Now widely advertised, this is probably the best-known light therapy for acne treatment. Blue light works by killing the acne-causing bacteria, P. acnes, and is being used to treat inflammatory acne vulgaris that has not responded to other acne therapies. The blue-light products of today do not contain ultraviolet (UV) light, which was a staple of former light therapy used to treat acne. UV light can damage skin and is no longer used to treat acne.

Patients receive blue-light therapy in increments. Generally, eight sessions are given over a four-week period, and each session lasts about 15 minutes. Side effects tend to be mild and include temporary pigment changes, swelling of the treated areas, and dryness. As the results from the following studies show, many patients — but not all — see noticeable improvement with about 55% clearance:

Pulsed light and heat energy (LHE) therapy. This treatment combines pulses of light and heat, which researchers believe target two causes of acne. It is known that LHE destroys P. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria. LHE also may decrease sebum (oily substance) production by shrinking the sebaceous glands. A system that combines pulses of green light and heat has been approved by the FDA for treating mild to moderate acne. Here’s what a recent study showed:

ALA + light therapy. Studies are investigating the effectiveness of this therapy in treating acne. Patients receiving this treatment undergo a two-step process. First, a solution of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied to the skin to be treated. ALA is a medication that increases sensitivity to light. When used to treat acne, the ALA is kept on the skin for a period of time ranging from 15 to 60 minutes. The length of time depends on the severity of the acne. Step two involves removing the ALA and treating the skin with light therapy. Since ALA makes the skin more light sensitive, patients are instructed to use sun protection for 48 hours after treatment.

Findings from research studies indicate that treatment with blue or red light after the application of ALA is effective. However, as the following shows, red light may produce some undesirable side effects:

Insurance may not cover. Most insurance plans classify the light and laser treatments used to treat acne as “emerging technologies.” And as such they do not cover treatments. The cost of this blue light treatment can range from $100 to $200 per treatment session. Since eight sessions are typically needed, the average out-of-pocket cost is $800 to $1,600 over the recommended four-week period.

With time, research, and experience, laser and light therapies may eventually be light years ahead of traditional acne therapies. Studies indicate that these treatments offer a promising non-invasive alternative. Until more is known, laser and light therapies offer an alternative for individuals whose acne has not responded to traditional acne therapies

The controversial isotretinoin - This is typically marketed as, Isotretinoin and it is usually prescribed to aid patients who suffer from severe nodular and cystic acne. These violent outbreaks can lead to disfiguring acne scars if left untreated. Isotretinoin is an effective treatment that a patient takes for nearly half a year, and usually shows remarkable results in clearing up the acne. However, isotretinoin use has been linked to severe depression, psychological dysfunction, and suicide, side effects that are extremely dangerous. One side effect of isotretinoin is that it causes severe birth defects if taken while pregnant.

Benzoyl Peroxide - The most available and best treatment option out there is actually over the counter in the form of 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide topical dermal creams. Studies have shown that 2.5%, if delivered appropriately, has the effects of 5-10% Benzoyl Peroxide without drying the skin. Many dermatoligists agree that the best way to treat acne is with a simple three-step solution. Generally, this will include a Benzoyl Peroxide exfoliating agent which removes dead and dirty skin, followed by a toner cream which actually fights the bacteria, and a repair and prevention 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide cream which stays on throughout the day to prevent acne from returning.