Therapeutic and Aesthetic Uses of Photodynamic Therapy Part two of a five-part series: Lasers and Light Treatments for Acne Vulgaris Promising Therapies

Abstract

Acne vulgaris remains one of the most common dermatologic disorders. Clinicians are always searching for new therapies to utilize in their therapeutic armamentarium for this common skin concern. We have many medical therapies at our disposal and these have proven useful in many cases in controlling the disease process. However, some patients need or want other therapies, and laser and light treatments for acne vulgaris have become popular over the past several years. This manuscript will review some of these promising therapies.

Figure 1

Protoporphyrin IX absorption spectrum

Figure 2

ClearLight Acne Photoclearing system (CureLight, Yokneam, Israel)

Figure 3

BluU blue light source (DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, MA)

Figure 4

Isolaz (Aesthera, Pleasanton, CA)

Figures 5a and 5b

Clinical example of acne treated with Isolaz (Aesthera, Pleasanton, CA). Photos courtesy of Michael H. Gold, MD, Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, TN.

Figures 5a and 5b

Clinical example of acne treated with Isolaz (Aesthera, Pleasanton, CA). Photos courtesy of Michael H. Gold, MD, Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, TN.

Figure 6

SmoothBeam (Candela, Wayland, MA)

Figures 7a and 7b

Clinical example of acne treated with Accent (Alma Lasers, Caesarea, Israel). Photos courtesy of Martin Braun, MD.

Figures 7a and 7b

Clinical example of acne treated with Accent (Alma Lasers, Caesarea, Israel). Photos courtesy of Martin Braun, MD.

Figure 8

Levulan Kerastick (DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, MA)

Figures 9a and 9b

Clinical example of inflammatory acne vulgaris; before treatment and after three ALA-PDT with Isolaz treatments. Noticeable improvement in lesions (forehead and perioral area) and overall redness. Photos courtesy of Michael H. Gold, MD, Gold Skin Care Center, Nashville, TN.

Figures 9a and 9b

Clinical example of inflammatory acne vulgaris; before treatment and after three ALA-PDT with Isolaz treatments. Noticeable improvement in lesions (forehead and perioral area) and overall redness. Photos courtesy of Michael H. Gold, MD, Gold Skin Care Center, Nashville, TN.