Several treatments are available for acne vulgaris. Some of the common treatment methods are bactericidal creams and lotions, antibiotics, hormone therapy and laser treatment. Recently, phototherapy i.e. treatment using light has been found to be effective in treating acne vulgaris. Phototherapy is still in experimental stages and thus is not widely employed to treat acne. In addition, it is also comparatively expensive that other conventional treatments and thus is not as popular as other treatment options.
In phototherapy, the skin is exposed to intense violet colored light with wavelengths between 405-420 nm. The light is generated using special dichroic bulbs or LEDs (light emitting diodes). Studies have revealed that treatment with violet light, applied once in every day days, is effective in reducing acne by as much as 64%. Its effectiveness increased even further when the treatment is given daily.
Red colored light with 660 nm wavelength is even more effective that violet colored light. Studies indicate success rates of more than 76% in reducing acne lesions after 3 months of daily treatment. In addition, the clearance rate is also high. It is not uncommon for acne not to return for several months after treatment.
It is believed that strong light produces free radicals which kill the bacteria Propionobacterium acnes which cause acne. These bacteria survive in the sebum that has been trapped in the follicle after its blockage and cause inflammation and redness of the skin. Once the bacteria are killed, the inflammation gradually reduces and natural healing occurs.
Phototherapy is both effective and safe with very few side effects. In fact, it is almost as effective as benzoyl peroxide but without any of the side effects that are associated with it. Unlike antibiotics, the chances that bacteria may develop resistance towards phototherapy are also very low.
The main disadvantage associated with phototherapy is that it is comparatively new and more expensive that other treatment options. The equipment used is also comparatively expensive. However, in the coming few years it will be become more popular and affordable. Phototherapy has been approved in the USA by the FDA.
Newer phototherapeutic procedures are also currently under active research. One such treatment procedure is called “Photodynamic therapy”. It involves the use of chemicals that increase the production of porphyrins in the bacteria when exposed to violet light. Initial studies show that photodynamic therapy has success rate of 60-70% in the first four weeks of treatment. However, it is still in experimental stage and its effectiveness has not yet been fully accepted world wide.
Other websites