Asklepion / Anews / 2009 / 12.01. – 01.02.2009 / Acne and its treatment
Acne and its treatment
How and why acne occurs and how it can be treated using the Spectra VRM laser – new laser features at Asklepion. You no longer need to suffer from acne!
Acne is a multi-factor inflammatory skin disease caused by changes in the sebaceous gland and hair follicles, characterized by the occurrence of comedones, papules and nodules. Acne occurs as a result of the increased function of the sebaceous gland and abnormal keratinisation around hair follicles. A plug of keratin forms at the mouth of follicles, mechanically blocking the secretion of the excessive amount of produced sebum. The sebum accumulates and causes the follicle to expand.
The pressure from the sebum then causes an inflammatory reaction around the sebaceous gland; this is accompanied by biochemical changes in the built-up sebum and the proliferation of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. These bacteria break down the triglycerides present in the sebum into free fatty acids. This leads to an inflammatory reaction around follicles and sebaceous glands and to various serious clinical manifestations of acne.
Acne typically occurs during adolescence and is most serious between the ages of fourteen and twenty one. The majority of young people suffer from acne. Acne usually recedes when people are in their twenties; more serious cases with a great flow of sebum can last into advanced adulthood (acne tarda). Acne most commonly appears on the face, temples, jaw line and back. Closed and open comedones commonly appear on the nose and forehead.
The treatment of acne is complicated and must always be comprehensive. There are many factors involved in the occurrence of acne, including hormonal imbalances, the increased sensitivity of the skin to hormonal changes – in puberty, pregnancy – a natural disposition to increased sebum production, an individual’s psychological condition, lifestyle, personal hygiene, living and working environment, the use of certain drugs and cosmetics.
The most common treatments for acne at our clinic are chemical peeling, the Smoothbeam laser, the Omnilux bio-stimulation lamp and the Spectra VRM laser.
The Spectra VRM laser works on the principle of selective photothermolysis. The laser works with a combination of various wave lengths (523, 585, 650 and 1064 nm). It is used to treat inflammatory manifestations of acne, enlarged pores, seborrhoeic oily skin as well as fine wrinkles, post-inflammation hyper-pigmentation and melasma. Utilizing a wavelength of 1064 nm, the VRM laser induces the photo-bio stimulation of the epidermis and a fine peeling of the outer layer of skin. This restricts the creation of sebum and has a preventative influence on the function of the sebaceous glands. During the use of the laser special Spectra Lotion containing carbon micro-crystals is applied to the entire area of skin and left to absorb into the pores for 15-20 minutes. The laser is then applied to the entire face, first in the Spectra Mode program and then in the Q-Switched mode. The procedure gradually peels the keratin layer in the skin, stimulates collagen fibres and reduces the number of pores. As a result the skin appears younger and cleaner.
In order to achieve satisfying results Spectra VRM laser treatments should be performed three to five times in intervals of two to four weeks. Results are apparent after the first treatment; 50% to 60% of acne typically disappears after the first treatment, though the most visible improvements appear after the third session.
Following the laser treatment of acne it is necessary to protect the skin with a sunscreen with a high UV factor (50+); for this reason it is best to undergo the treatments in the autumn or winter.
While acne is not a dangerous disease, it is nonetheless an unpleasant condition for individuals. A professional consultation with a dermatologist is the first step toward successful skin treatment.
MUDr. Helena Drozenová, dermatologist
To make an appointment for consultations and procedures in Asklepion’s Dermatology Department please call +420 234 716 000 or +420 602 483 322.
The pressure from the sebum then causes an inflammatory reaction around the sebaceous gland; this is accompanied by biochemical changes in the built-up sebum and the proliferation of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. These bacteria break down the triglycerides present in the sebum into free fatty acids. This leads to an inflammatory reaction around follicles and sebaceous glands and to various serious clinical manifestations of acne.
Acne typically occurs during adolescence and is most serious between the ages of fourteen and twenty one. The majority of young people suffer from acne. Acne usually recedes when people are in their twenties; more serious cases with a great flow of sebum can last into advanced adulthood (acne tarda). Acne most commonly appears on the face, temples, jaw line and back. Closed and open comedones commonly appear on the nose and forehead.
The treatment of acne is complicated and must always be comprehensive. There are many factors involved in the occurrence of acne, including hormonal imbalances, the increased sensitivity of the skin to hormonal changes – in puberty, pregnancy – a natural disposition to increased sebum production, an individual’s psychological condition, lifestyle, personal hygiene, living and working environment, the use of certain drugs and cosmetics.
The most common treatments for acne at our clinic are chemical peeling, the Smoothbeam laser, the Omnilux bio-stimulation lamp and the Spectra VRM laser.
The Spectra VRM laser works on the principle of selective photothermolysis. The laser works with a combination of various wave lengths (523, 585, 650 and 1064 nm). It is used to treat inflammatory manifestations of acne, enlarged pores, seborrhoeic oily skin as well as fine wrinkles, post-inflammation hyper-pigmentation and melasma. Utilizing a wavelength of 1064 nm, the VRM laser induces the photo-bio stimulation of the epidermis and a fine peeling of the outer layer of skin. This restricts the creation of sebum and has a preventative influence on the function of the sebaceous glands. During the use of the laser special Spectra Lotion containing carbon micro-crystals is applied to the entire area of skin and left to absorb into the pores for 15-20 minutes. The laser is then applied to the entire face, first in the Spectra Mode program and then in the Q-Switched mode. The procedure gradually peels the keratin layer in the skin, stimulates collagen fibres and reduces the number of pores. As a result the skin appears younger and cleaner.
In order to achieve satisfying results Spectra VRM laser treatments should be performed three to five times in intervals of two to four weeks. Results are apparent after the first treatment; 50% to 60% of acne typically disappears after the first treatment, though the most visible improvements appear after the third session.
Following the laser treatment of acne it is necessary to protect the skin with a sunscreen with a high UV factor (50+); for this reason it is best to undergo the treatments in the autumn or winter.
While acne is not a dangerous disease, it is nonetheless an unpleasant condition for individuals. A professional consultation with a dermatologist is the first step toward successful skin treatment.
MUDr. Helena Drozenová, dermatologist
To make an appointment for consultations and procedures in Asklepion’s Dermatology Department please call +420 234 716 000 or +420 602 483 322.
