Acne

Acne is a type of skin lesion often associated with adolescence. During puberty, the body often produces an excessive amount of sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands). Cells in the hair follicles aren't shed as quickly as usual and form a plug within the follicle. The excess sebum then becomes trapped behind the plug (inside the hair follicle). Bacteria can get inside the blocked follicle and grow, causing inflammation, swelling, redness and pus formation.

Acne is a very common condition. Researchers estimate about 85 percent of Americans experience some degree of acne. The condition usually appears between 10 and 13 and lasts for five to ten years. In some cases, acne can last into adulthood. Acne lesions can appear on almost any part of the body, but most commonly develop on the face, neck, chest, back, arms and shoulders.

There are several forms of acne lesions. A comedo is a plugged sebaceous gland. An open comedo (also called a blackhead) has a plug with a blackish appearance on the surface. A closed comedo (whitehead) appears as a skin-colored bump on the skin. A papule is a small, solid bump above the surface of the skin. A pustule is a dome-shaped lesion containing pus. A macule is a temporary red spot that remains after an acne lesion has healed. A nodule is a solid lesion that extends deeper into the skin than a papule. A cyst is lesion with a liquid or semi-liquid material inside a sac-like bulge in the skin. An acne cyst contains white blood cells, dead cells and bacteria and is the most severe form of the condition.

Treating Acne

Acne can have a big impact on a teen's self-esteem. The condition can lead to social withdrawal, lowered self-confidence, embarrassment and anger.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Americans spend more than $100 million/year for over-the-counter acne treatments. There are many different options for treating acne, like facial cleansers, soaps, spot treatments and cover-ups. A regimen that works for one person may not provide any benefit for another. When over-the-counter treatments aren't enough, patients may seek advice from a physician. Dermatologists say more than 40 percent of adolescents have acne that is severe enough to require a medical consultation and treatment.

Zeno™ for Acne

Recently, the FDA approved a new device for the treatment of acne, called Zeno™. Zeno uses a heat treatment to kill the bacteria that cause an acne lesion. The tip of the hand-held device contains a heat activating cartridge. When Zeno is ready for use (as indicated by a light), the tip is placed against the acne lesion. Each acne lesion is treated for two-and-a-half minutes. A special tone lets the user know the treatment cycle is finished.

The temperature of the Zeno tip reaches 121 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat generates a shock response, causing the bacteria to self-destruct. When the treatment is in process, a user may feel warmth, but the temperature is not hot enough to burn the skin.

Zeno is recommended for patients with mild to moderate acne lesions and is meant to be used in combination with other acne therapies. The best result occurs when the treatment is started as soon as an acne lesion starts to develop. Most areas can be successfully treated with two to three treatments spaced over 24 hours. Clinical studies by the manufacturer found 90 percent of acne lesions disappear within 24 hours of treatment; 96 percent are gone within 48 hours and 100 percent disappear within 72 hours.

Zeno comes with rechargable batteries and a replaceable tip cartridge. Each treatment tip cartridge is good for 90 treatments. Zeno won't work on blackheads and whiteheads and is not meant for patients with severe nodular or cystic acne. For information about the device, or to place an order, log on to the company's website at http://www.myzeno.com.

Click here for more information about Zeno

Zeno can be purchased at Charlotte Laser & Med Spa -- (704) 369-0429

For information on acne: American Academy of Dermatology