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[P307]Photodynamic Therapy For Acne

by Asanka Samaranayake, Asa

In the clinical world, oral antibiotic acne therapy is usually referred to as systemic antibacterial treatment. The word systemic implies that the antibiotics travel around the blood stream; not only to the sites where there is acne, but to sites where acne is not present.

Broadly speaking, oral antibiotic acne drugs can be divided into 3 maily names:
1.Cyclines
2.Macrolides
3.Sulphonamides

The Cyclines
Either oxytetracycline or tetracycline is given for acne in a dose of 500mg twie daily. If there is no improvement after the first 3 months, another oral antibacterial should be used.

Usually, maximum improvement can be seen 4 to 6 months after treatment but in some cases treatment must be carried on for 2 years or even longer.

Doxycyline and minocycline are alternatives to the above named tetracyclines. Doxycycline may be used in a dose of 100mg daily. Minocycline offers less likelihood of bacterial resistance but may sometimes cause irreversible pigmentation. I can be given in a dose of 100mg daily (i.e. in two 50mg tablets or just one tablet of 100mg).

The Macrolides
In this case one subcategoray of macrolide is used. This drug is commonly known as erythromycin. This can be given in doses of 500mg twice daily. Although this is an alternative for the management of acne, in some cases, the bacteria propionibacteria has become resistant to erythromycin.

The Sulphonamides
The drug trimethoprim is classed as the best drug out of the sulphonamides to target acne. It can be given in doses of 300mg twice daily and may be used for acne resistant to other antibacterials. Prolonged treatment with trimethoprim may depress the bone marrow function (although this is rare) of the body; this drug should only be prescribed by consultant dermatologists. Regular bone marrow and full blood count tests should be performed when this drug is used for an extended period of time.

Common side effects of antibiotics used for acne management:

Cyclines:
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
3.Diarrhoea

Macrolides (Erythromycin):
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
3.Abdominal discomfort
4.Rashes
5.Reversible hearing loss

Sulphonamides (Trimethoprim)
1.Gastro-intestinal disturbances
2.Nausea
3.Vomiting
4.Itchiness and rashes

Antibiotics serve as another form of therapy for treating acne but, in order to achive positive results, one must stick to the treatment regimens and try to complete the prescribed course.

Please note that the above editorial by no means serves as complete literature regarding the topic of interest. For more detailed information, please consult your local physician.

Cosmetic treatments have come a long way in a relatively short period of time. Today, many of the procedures that are done in this area do not require traditional surgical methods to complete. With the advent of many skin resurfacing treatments and the introduction of laser surgery, conventional surgical methods are much less common than they once were. The good news is that current procedures are being refined all the time to make them less invasive and more effective. In addition, new treatments are being introduced all the time.

Photodynamic therapy is one of the newest treatments used for cosmetic purposes today. This therapy combines the use of specialized light sources with medications that sensitize the body to receive the light treatment most effectively. The process of this treatment is threefold. First, administer the medication either topically or intravenously. Second, allow an incubation period for the medication to take effect, which can range from a few minutes to a few hours. Once the medication has properly sensitized the body to the light, the treatment can begin. There are different types of light that can be used for photodynamic therapy, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), blue light, red light and lasers. The type of light used will be determined by the type of treatment that is being administered.

There are many uses for this new photodynamic therapy. One of the first functions of this procedure was for cancer treatment. Currently this therapy is used to treat certain types of lung cancer, esophageal cancer and pre-cancerous conditions found in the esophagus known as Barrett's syndrome. It can also be effective in removing cancer and pre-cancerous lesions found on the skin. In addition, this therapy is currently being studied for use in treating cervical cancer, prostate cancer and some types of brain cancer.

On the dermatology front, in addition to treating pre-cancerous skin conditions, this therapy can also be used on acne, psoriasis and rosacea. It has been used on warts, scars and wrinkles with some success as well. It has not been shown to be particularly effective in removing birthmarks or moles. The type of treatment that is being conducted helps the doctor know what type of light to use, how long the sessions need to be and how frequently treatments should be repeated.

Photodynamic therapy is beneficial to the patient on many levels. First, this treatment has proven to be a highly effective means of treating many diseases and conditions that do not necessarily respond will to other forms of treatment. Risk and side effects are fairly minimal and may include some pain and redness in the area. However, this therapy is still very new to the medical community, and it is difficult to predict what the long term effects of these treatments might be.

Photodynamic therapy is quickly gaining popularity with patients and the medical community alike, which is making it easier to find clinics and doctors that are equipped to handle this procedure correctly. If you have any of the conditions listed above, it might be worth talking to your doctor about whether this therapy is the right choice for you.

Article Source : Pg. 28

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Both Asanka Samaranayake & Beth Ortiz are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Asanka Samaranayake has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Beauty Tips and Acne Treatment. Asanka Samaranayake (BSc Hons Neuroscience) and Darren Patten (Bsc Hons Surgery & Anaesthesia)have a specialist interest in microdermabrasion and provide you with an indispensable resource at. Asanka Samaranayake's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.

Beth Ortiz has sinced written about articles on various topics from Infertility, Family Concerns and Latest Election News. More information on , and a. Beth Ortiz's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.