Spotlight on Acne

Brighter skin ahead as PDT laser gets the all clear

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) August 15, 2004 -- Finally the future may be clearer for thousands of teens and adults plagued by acne. Medical professionals are giving Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) the "all clear" sign as an alternative treatment to oral medications (including antibiotics and Accutane) for acne sufferers. PDT involves the application of a light sensitizing vitamin A derivative gel to the skin of the face or other involved area, followed by treatment of the area with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The wavelength of the light is designed to pass into sensitized skin, kill acne bacteria and slow down overactive sebaceous (oil) glands. These are the two critical goals of any successful acne therapy treatment.

"There are several reasons for the increased interest in light treatments for acne," said Dr. Alexander Rivkin, one of a handul of skin care experts treating acne with PDT therapy at his Westwood, California practice. "Many doctors and patients are demanding alternatives to Accutane and oral antibiotics because of the possible risks," said Rivkin. New FDA restrictions on Accutane are now in full force following ineffective guidelines which didn't do enough to educate patients and physicians about the risks of birth defects in pregnent women as well as possible severe psychiatric side effects which, in some recently publicized instances, led to patient suicides. These are in addition to the side effects that every Accutane patient experiences - dry skin, chapped lips, bloody noses, headaches, achy bones and sometimes hair loss. Patient and physician concern is rising after the publication of studies linking the chronic use of antibiotics to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Meanwhile, skin care experts are finding that even the most severe forms of acne are responding amazingly well to light treatment and PDT. These experts, including Dr. Rivkin, are using light based acne therapy and PDT as the cornerstone to effective acne treatment. There are many laser treatments being used by physicians for a variety of skin corrections. While the promise of some laser treatments, "is somewhat exaggerated" according to Rivkin, he (Rivkin) stands by PDT. "I am seeing extremely impressive results with my acne patients. Their skin is staying clear for several years after treatment, and that's enough time so that, for a good number of people, the acne does not recur." said Rivkin. "Unlike Accutane, there are no serious side effects to worry about - no monthly blood tests for pregnancy or liver damage, no prolonged discomfort. Yet the efficacy is very similar." said Rivkin.

One of Rivkins patients, scarred physically and emotionally by the continuation of her acne outbreaks turned to PDT after seven years of oral antibiotic treatments including tetracycline. "The results are far and away beyond my expectations, said Rivkin. The patients acne has cleared and we are also seeing improvement in some of her acne scars." Rivkin believes, "Lasers will continue to play an increasingly important role in the treatment of acne."

Most everyones skin tolerates PDT. There is no downtime, no pain and no blisters or burns. Treatments vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of acne, but are usually 30 minutes in length and are given from twice weekly to once every month. Some health insurance companies even cover the treatment course, but if not, the cost ranges from $100 to $400 per treatment.

For information call Dr. Rivkins Westside Medical Spa 310 443 5273 or www.westsidemedicalspa.com

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