Do you know the name of skin condition affecting almost 80% of the total population, which has various types, results in serious emotional distress, and is comprised of four letters? If you guessed the skin condition was acne, then you are absolutely correct. Although the causes of acne are quite difficult to treat, currently dermatologists are employing advancements in laser technology in order to stop and prevent acne scarring that occurs from severe acne outbreaks.
At the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers and medical practitioners presented new dermatological techniques currently being used against acne, including non-abrasive laser therapy.
The most frequently diagnosed skin condition in the US is not surprisingly acne, and as it can cause serious emotional distress to a person, this only fuels patients turning to dermatologists all over the country. Although studies have actually indicated that acne is not caused by lifestyle factors, such as stress or diet, patients continue blaming themselves for their acne problem. Instead, acne is actually caused by factors like excessive oil production, bacteria, and hormones.
Dr. Alster, a leading medical practitioner stated that his patients are sometimes confused as they hear conflicted advice. Then they spend a lot of money on over the counter medications, most of which do not work. By the time he sees them in his office, they are upset and disappointed.
Acne occurs on regions of skin that have a large number of sebaceous follicles, responsible for oil production, that are actually over producing. These areas include the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back regions. These follicles, unfortunately, clog due to the over production of oil, and whiteheads and blackheads occur from the sebaceous follicles. Furthermore, once a blackhead or whitehead bursts, the infected substance contained within the follicle ooze out onto the surrounding skin. If an infection develops, it eventually creates the commonly-known zit. In some instances, if the zit becomes significantly infected, it evolves into a cyst. Eventually, if not treated, these cysts will heal over and create an acne scar once the outbreak has cleared up.
Traditionally, both oral and topical medications were uses to fight acne outbreaks, but sadly, the results were varied and not always successful. However, dermatologist can now add non-ablative laser technology to their list of tools used to combat acne, and more importantly, prevent acne scarring.
The major benefit to using non-ablative laser therapy is the capability of erasing acne while not causing damage to the epidermal skin layer, as compared to their ablative predecessors. The non-ablative laser technology actually works by affecting the sebaceous glands. The laser produces a powerful light wavelength that is absorbed by the skin and the water present in the skin. This then creates increased levels of heat at the sebaceous glands. Using the laser to produce minor damages to the sebaceous gland, the treatment actually affects the glands, reducing its ability to produce oil, thereby lessening the chances of an acne breakout.
The non-ablative laser therapy sessions take on average somewhere between 5 and 20 minutes to administer. Prior to treatment, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the treatment area - the only sensation the patient will feel is a slight stinging that last momentary. Afterward, the patient will be given an ice application to dull the remaining pain. In order to effectively remove the acne scarring, a patient will require between three to five monthly treatments.
Improved appearance will occur after just a few treatments, and a full series will give the patient clear skin for upwards of half a year. Laser therapy side effects are typically mild, do not hinder any activity, and should last only a few days. Side effects include mild irritation and possible swelling.
Non-ablative laser therapy can effectively be used to remove acne scarring that occurred years ago. Although acne scars are not a health risk, they can cause psychological stress and damage, especially as these scars can be near impossible to treat. In the past, techniques such as fillers, surgery, and dermabrasion were the tools dermatologists used to combat acne scarring, with the results often less than successful.
However, in recent years, advancements in laser technology have pushed laser therapy to the forefront. Originally, ablative type lasers were used to remove the very most upper layers of the epidermis. Fortunately, non-ablative laser treatments have become more common place, mostly due to their capability to stimulate collagen production, and avoid any visible damages in the process.
Nevertheless, we advise patients to only use certified dermatologists that have trained with laser therapy and can show experience. If in doubt, inquire about the doctor's medical practice history and qualifications.
Originally establishes in 1938, The American Academy of Dermatology is perhaps the most prominent and well-known dermatological groups. Boasting more than 14,000 dermatologists the globe, the association advocates: - Promoting the improvement of diagnosis and surgical, cosmetic, and medical treatment for the nails, hair, and skin. - Supporting higher principles for education, medical practice, and research advancements. - Improving and encouraging superior patient care for healthier skin.
Timothy Jenkins is a retired home builder, and spends his time writing, and staying fit. Tim's primary method to stay in shape is to combine running on his cheapelectrictreadmills.com electric treadmills with lifting weightbenchreviews.com Olympic weights. Tim believes that the combination of weight training and aerobic running is the most efficient way to exercise, and delivers the fastest results.
