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Acne and PDT: new techniques with lasers and light sources

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Abstract

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic disorders encountered in everyday practice. Treatment options for this often psychologically scarring disease are numerous and, for many individuals, provide relief from the disorder. However, factors such as antibiotic resistance and slow onset of action from many topical therapies have led researchers to seek out alternative therapies, especially for those suffering from moderate to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris. Lasers and light sources are finding increased usage in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Light sources including blue lights and intense pulsed lights are becoming regular additions to routine medical management to enhance the therapeutic response. Finally, photodynamic therapy may change many of the acne vulgaris paradigms, as its place is being defined in the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris. More and more clinical trials are showing the effectiveness of 5-aminolevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris.

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Notes

  1. A thorough review of PDT.

  2. A review of PDT and thought on its future.

  3. The first ALA-PDT paper on acne.

  4. The first ALA-PDT blue light study.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gold Skin Care Center, 2000 Richard Jones Road, Suite 220, Nashville, TN, 37215, USA

    Michael H. Gold

  2. Tennessee Clinical Research Center, Nashville, TN, USA

    Michael H. Gold

  3. Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA

    Michael H. Gold

  4. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN, USA

    Michael H. Gold

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  1. Michael H. Gold
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Correspondence to Michael H. Gold.

Additional information

Dr. Gold is a consultant for DUSA Pharmaceuticals and Lumenis. Dr. Gold performs research, speaks for, and owns stock in both companies as well as other device companies including Sciton, Alma Lasers, Innotech, and Cynosure.

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Gold, M.H. Acne and PDT: new techniques with lasers and light sources. Lasers Med Sci 22, 67–72 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-006-0420-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-006-0420-z

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