Photodynamic Acne Treatment

What is photodynamic acne treatment?
It is a process in which Aminolevulinic acid is applied on the acne affected area for 30 to 60 minutes. When levulan is absorbed deeply into the skin, the affected area is exposed to light of specific wavelength. Unlike Isotretinoin which has adverse side effects, it is most effective and safest treatment for acne using light and levulan.

How does it work?
Acne is disorder of inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Under foreign and internal stimuli, sebaceous glands produce excessive sebum. The excessive sebum clogs the hair follicles. Here in hair follicles, Propionibacteria mixes with sebum and make a plaque. Later, the mixture becomes rigid and plugs the hair follicles. Along side, sebaceous glands are inflamed and narrow the passage of hair follicles to discharge the sebum.

Therefore, when levulan is applied on to the affected area and light of specific wavelength is applied, sebaceous glands shrink and clogged sebum is removed from hair follicles and the population of propionibacteria is destroyed.
Thus, pimples, pustules, papules and even cystic acne disappear after 1 or two secessions of the therapy.

How the therapy is done?
Therapy is done at dermatologist clinic or at salon. The whole procedure lasts in the following successive steps:

• Face or any acne affected area is washed thoroughly with soap and lukewarm water that there be no germ or particles
• Aminolevulinic acid is applied on the affected area and left for 30 to 60 minutes until it reaches deep skin layers and sebaceous glands
• Wear goggle to protect your eyes with laser beam
• In this stage, Aminolevulinic acid is photosensitized with light beam of specific wavelength During the procedure, you may feel stinging and rash. Your dermatologist may apply anesthetic creams to minimize the stinging sensation.

Now you will notice visible results, but for complete cure, you may need more two or three sessions.

Does it affect your life?
It is highly recommended to stain indoor for around 48 hours due to photosensitivity of your skin. Going outdoor may get sunburned.

What are its side effects?
It has no critical side effects unlike Isotretinoin and other medications that are always effective but produce worse side effects. However, you must consult your doctor before having the therapy.

Conclusion:
Photodynamic acne treatment is most effective and safest way to treat acne. Like natural acne remedies, it has no critical side effects. Process is simple and easy and done at salon or dermatologist office.