What is the most common skin disease in the United States?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Acne ( also called Acne Vulgaris ) is the most common skin disease in the United States. Acne Photo Light Therapy, available through Dr. Phillip Chang at Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery Center, is not only a safe and effective treatment for typical acne, but it is increasingly seen as an excellent alternative to Accutane.

Overview:

Most people in their teen years are afflicted with “pimples”. Mild acne will clear with a good skin care regimen and some help from topical products, but those with moderate and severe acne need some additional assistance. Most people who are afflicted with moderate to severe acne understand that, aside from the embarrassment and the effect on their self esteem, severe acne can result in permanent scarring.

Acne Photo Light Therapy is a safe and effective method for reducing the appearance of acne. The Photo Light Therapy targets the inflammatory bacteria and glands that cause cause acne without the need for need for medications such as Accutane.

Significance:

Acne results when the skin’s sebaceous glands produce too much oil, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The oil contributes to clogged pores at the skin’s surface, and also provides an ideal environment for the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes ( p.acnes ) to grow unchecked. The result is pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and inflammation. The Acne Photo Light treatments target and kill P. acnes, and also may shrink the sebaceous glands that create the oil and clog the pores.

Scientific Research:

The Journal of Drugs for Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology report that the IPL technology appears to be a safe and effective treatment. They concluded that the Photo Light IPL Therapy appears to provide long-lasting relief from acne. Another study published in Dermatologic Surgery compared treatment using Photo Light IPL therapy to the use of benzoyl peroxide and found that Photo Light IPL therapy was better at treating certain types of acne and evening out the red inflammatory scars which acne may cause.

The Treatment:

• Treatments are given two times a week for 4 weeks ( for a total of 8 treatments )
• This treatment regimen generally gives acne relief for about 6 months or more
• Each treatment will take about 1 hour and you may return to school/work the same day
• The treatments are relatively pain-free
• The Acne Photo Light Package generally includes the use of topical and/or oral antibiotics depending on your initial skin condidtion

Insurance

Acne Photo Light Treatments are not covered by most health insurance carriers