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Phototherapy, photodynamic therapy and lasers in the treatment of acne
Author(s) -
Degitz Klaus
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
jddg: journal der deutschen dermatologischen gesellschaft
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.463
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1610-0387
pISSN - 1610-0379
DOI - 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2009.07093.x
Subject(s) - acne , photodynamic therapy , intense pulsed light , acne treatment , medicine , light therapy , dermatology , blue light , radiation therapy , laser , visible spectrum , optics , optoelectronics , surgery , materials science , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , circadian rhythm
Summary Modern acne therapy uses anticomedogenic, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and antiandrogenic substances. As an additional approach in recent years, treatments have been developed based on the application of electromagnetic radiation. Visible light or infrared wave lengths are utilized by most techniques, including blue light lamps, intense pulsed light, photodynamic therapy and lasers. This review evaluates the various methods with regard to efficacy and their current role in the management of acne. Although UV radiation has been frequently used to treat acne, it is now regarded as obsolete due to the unfavorable risk‐benefit ratio. Visible light, especially of blue wavelengths, appears to be suitable for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Photodynamic therapy is effective, but, due to considerable immediate side effects, it is best reserved for selected situations. Despite promising observations, intense pulsed light and lasers have to be evaluated in further studies, before they can be recommended.