Med Spa Day Spa Lafayette Indiana
Med Spa Day Spa Lafayette Indiana

A Word From Your Doctor

Photo Dynamic Therapy and Blue Light Treatments

Acne affects three in four teenagers. Hormonal changes stimulate the sebaceous glands (oil glands) into producing more sebum (oil). When the sebum gets trapped in tiny pores or follicles it may cause the follicle wall to bulge creating a whitehead. If the pore or follicle stays open the surface of the plug may darken causing a blackhead. If the bacteria (P. acnes) overly thrives in these pores, bacteria and pus may leak into the surrounding tissue causing a pimple.

Treatments for moderate acne have included topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, Retin-A ™, benzyl peroxide, astringents and others. Many of these treatments have significant risk and side effects or are ineffective.

Now there is a safer, easier way to treat acne. Blue Light photo-dynamic therapy is now FDA approved for the treatment of moderate acne. Blue Light photo-dynamic therapy kills the P. acnes in your skin. The Blue Light can be administered alone or in conjunction with a topical application of ALA (aminolevulinic acid) for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Blue Light treats both active acne lesions and inactive sebaceous glands. Pre-treatment with topical ALA offers additional reduction of lesions, pustules and papules. Patients receiving Blue Light treatments sit in front of the Blue Light delivery system for 8 – 20 minutes. Treatments can be done on a weekly basis. The number of treatments, the treatment time, and treatment interval will vary with the severity of your acne.

Patients receiving topical ALA with the Blue Light delivery system sit with the ALA solution on the skin for approximately 60 minutes prior to exposure to the Blue Light. Once again, the number of treatments, treatment time, and treatment interval will vary with the severity of your acne.

Side effects can include sun sensitivity for a few days post treatment and mild redness/patient discomfort. After 2-4 weekly treatments most patients experience a reduction in their acne as well as long term resolution of hyperactive sebaceous glands.
For more information on this novel treatment for acne please see a professional at Med Spa or Randall Dermatology.

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