Acne is a skin condition characterized by plugged pores and pimples. Oil glands in the skin are connected to hair follicles. Each follicle leads to an opening on the skin surface, called a pore.

During puberty, hormones stimulate the oil glands in the skin and cause them to enlarge. The excess oil causes the cells in the follicle to fall off (shed) more quickly and clump together, forming a plug in the follicle. Sometimes bacteria grow in the oil and cells causing inflammation.

The wall of the follicle can break, allowing the oil, bacteria and skin cells to enter the surrounding skin. An area of redness, swelling and pus (pimple) develops at the site.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, acne is the most common skin disease in this country, affecting 17 million Americans. It's most commonly seen in teenagers. However, acne can develop in adulthood. In most cases, it doesn't cause any serious medical problems. However, acne can severely affect self-esteem, leading to lower self-confidence, social withdrawal, depression, and poor body image.

Treating Acne
There is no cure for acne. But there are several treatments that can reduce "breakouts." Benzoyl peroxide, an over-the-counter topical medication, can help unplug blocked pores and kill Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria associated with acne. The medication is available in several forms (soap, gel, lotion, cream, or pad). Over-the-counter acne medications can cause stinging, redness, or irritation, so follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If severe side effects develop or the acne appears to be getting worse, consult a physician. If necessary, doctors can prescribe stronger acne medications or antibiotics.

Doctors are finding that some patients with acne have a strain of the bacteria that is resistant to treatment. Now, another kind of therapy may soon be available. The Palomar EsteLux™ system uses specific wavelengths of pulsed light to treat acne that doesn't respond to standard therapy.

The pulsed light is emitted from a special handpiece (LuxV™) that attaches to the EsteLux system. After the face is cleaned, doctors shine the filtered light onto the area to be treated. The treatment has uses a two-pronged attack. The first targets a chemical produced by the P. acnes bacteria (called porphyrin). When exposed to the light, the porphyrins release oxygen that kills the bacteria. The second approach is through the oil glands. Inflamed oil glands contain a large amount of blood. The light targets the hemoglobin in the blood, damaging the obstructed or hyperactive glands. The treatment is fast and efficient - patients have no down time from crusting, blistering, or burning.

In a small study of patients with severe treatment-resistant acne, participants received a series of three treatments at two-week intervals. After the third treatment, many of the patients had a significant improvement in symptoms. In some cases, the results lasted up to three months.

The LuxV is not yet approved as a treatment for acne. However, it is approved for treatment of brown spots and other pigmented lesions, and some physicians are using it "off-label" for acne. Doctors say the system will most likely be used in combination with standard therapy. Researchers are also testing the use of LuxV in combination with micro-dermabrasion.

Source: Medstar