Photodynamic Acne Therapy

Acne affects a large population of people and its extensiveness is what causes it to be of interest to medical science. It’s generally known that acne is caused by obstruction and infection of the sebaceous glands by some bacteria. Continued research has uncovered photodynamic therapy as one of the effective approaches in treating acne.

Be description the photodynamic acne therapy is a procedure that uses light at a specified wavelength to activate a photosensitizing agent. The agent of choice for the longest time has been Levulan which is 20% aminolevulinic acid, an important substance in the formation of hemoglobin. What basically happens is Levulan is applied to the skin and left to lie for about 15-60 minutes. It is then activated using light at a stipulated wavelength. If the acne has been severe, or is the severe type, the type of light is what will determine just how effect the therapy will be.

The theory behind the PDT is that the sebaceous glands shrink in size. The idea behind this is when they are smaller in size the oil secreted is lesser too which essentially decreases the acne. The bacteria that cause infection and inflammation of the sebaceous glands are reduced as well.

The result of the therapy is a smoother skin. This is enabled through the encouragement of the shedding of dead skin. Fresh skin that surfaces is smoother and blemish free. For most of the people that have undergone the Photodynamic acne therapy, success has been recorded. The simplicity of the procedure is one of its sure advantages. No surgeries or anything, and takes a lesser period of time with more promising results. At least 3 treatments are recommended at a periodic interval of 2-4 weeks for the best kind of results since in most cases one never suffices.

Though safe, there are some side effects that are predicted. Redness and soreness are the skins way of responding to the therapy. These usually subside in a couple of days. Increased sensitivity to light is also another side effect. After the procedure, you are advised to avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours for the skin to commence the healing process. Peeling of the skin is also an expected side effect. Generally speaking, the side effects are not unbearable and the fact that they always subside when the healing process continues to completion makes the whole process worthwhile.

Besides being one approach for ridding of persistent acne, it can also be used for improving the texture of the skin, preventing of skin cancer, and treating of sebaceous hyperplasia which is the inflammation of the sebaceous glands.

The only reason why Photodynamic Acne Therapy is not the outsourced means of treating acne is because of the financial aspect. It’s considerably more expensive than most of your conventional acne treatments like use of accutane. Since the expense is one that is out of the reach of your average Joe, it’s reserved to those who can afford it. The degree of success in the results can vary from person to person too, and this uncertainty also reduces its popularity.