Acne
Acne vulgaris is a skin disorder characterized by the obstruction of hair follicles with a combination of oil and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation of the follicle and its associated sebaceous gland. This condition is notorious for being the primary cause of permanent facial scarring.
Almost every adolescent experiences acne at some juncture, and it continues to affect approximately 30% of adult women and 20% of adult men. With its pervasive impact, acne stands as one of the most prevalent diseases globally, impacting around 50 million individuals in the United States alone.
Acne can be classified as
Noninflammatory (neither red nor sore):
- Whiteheads – small closed white dots on the skin – the follicle is completely blocked.
- Blackheads – small black or brown dots on the skin, which are open comedones. The color comes from skin pigment melanin, rather than dirt.
Inflammatory:
- Papules – raised red pimples without white or yellowish center
- Pustules – raised red pimples with a white or yellowish center
- Nodules – large (over 5mm wide), severe, painful, fibrous lesions not filled with pus
- Cysts – large (over 5mm wide), severe, painful lesions filled with liquid or pus. If not treated timely, these lesions leave behind scars and hyperpigmentation.
Laser Therapy of Acne
Laser therapy stands out as a highly promising alternative to conventional topical and systemic drug treatments for acne. Traditionally reserved for addressing acne scarring, OmniLase’s Eclipse®– 1720 introduces groundbreaking technology for active acne management, tackling the root cause and preventing scarring.
The innovative laser light emitted by the Eclipse®– 1720 penetrates the skin surface, precisely targeting and destroying the sebaceous gland without causing collateral damage to surrounding tissues. This approach effectively halts oil production and initiates the healing process. Notably, the laser light possesses intrinsic antimicrobial properties, thanks to endogenous chromophores in pathogenic microbes. This comprehensive action makes it effective against all types of pimples.
Patients, even those with severe acne cysts, have experienced long-lasting clearing when laser therapy is integrated into their treatment plans. Early intervention with laser therapy can prevent scarring altogether. Remarkably, the entire procedure takes just a few seconds per lesion, offering a quick and efficient solution for active acne management with the Eclipse® 1720.
