Acne can be effectively treated with Laser Therapy

Having a severe case of acne can be one of the most humiliating and socially devastating things to happen to a person as they are growing up. Teenagers struggle with the little red monsters year in and year out with no true cure in sight. At best, sufferers can hope to find some topical ointment that will help treat existing pimples but often even these treatments fail to even make a dent against a severe case of acne.

Typically, there are four basic treatment options available to people suffering from acne. Topical ointments are applied to the surface of acne and generally have an anti- bacterial agent to help kill the bacteria that is wreaking havoc in someone’s clogged pores.

The second option is to take oral medication, which is more beneficial to treat body acne and extremely severe cases of acne affecting the face. These oral medications contain antibiotics and are quite effective in reducing some of the more severe cases of acne.

Hormone therapy is another option available to people afflicted with acne but it is not very common. While there are several treatment options available with hormone therapy, a common practice is to inject cortisone directly into lesions. Other options include using inhibitors that prevent hormones like androgen from causing further outbreaks.

In recent years, laser therapy has become an effective treatment option for acne. In this treatment, highly concentrated beams of light are aimed directly at the affected regions. The intense heat from the laser literally vaporizes the bacteria that cause acne. However, this cannot be done in a day. Usually, patients have to take several sessions with the laser before the results become visible.

Lasers are also beneficial for reducing the scarring caused by acute cases of acne. It burns away the dead skin and makes the scars less noticeable. Laser treatment can take several months to be effective. Nonetheless, it is worth it as it can treat the problem from its very roots.

Unfortunately, laser treatment for acne costs quite a packed and most insurance plans do not cover this treatment. Laser treatment is likely to remain an expensive treatment option even for the coming years because the specialized equipment and facilities it requires are very costly. All acne treatment options including hormone therapy or oral medication carry some minimal risks. The risks involved in laser therapy are no greater.

Though acne affects the skin, it invariably leaves a scar on the psyche of the person suffering from it. Many lucky ones escape the curse entirely while others have to live with this most brutal part of growing up. If your acne is mild, you may be able to treat it with topical ointments, but if you are suffering from an acute case of acne, you must consult with your doctor or dermatologist and go in for laser treatment if it is an option recommended for you.