Treatment of Mild to Moderate Inflammatory Acne
INTRODUCTION
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a new technique. PDT is being extensively studied in a variety of dermatology settings. These applications include FDA approved treatment of premalignant and malignant skin conditions, as well as off-label uses for photoreiuvination and the treatment of acne vulgaris, sebaceous gland hyoerolasia, telangiectasia, rosacea, and hirsutism. There are three possible modes of action suggested for ALA-PDT use in acne: photodynamic destruction of Propionibacterium acne by sterilizing the sebaceous follicle, direct photodynamic injury of the sebaceous glands inhibiting sebum production and reduction of follicular obstruction bv effects on keratinocyte shedding and hyperkeratosis.
ALA is known to be preferentially taken up by the pilosebaceous unit, which is metabolized by heme synthesis to produce a precursor of protoporphyrin IX, a potent photosensitizer. The ALA-PDT procedure has potential to provide a unique treatment for acne by selectively damaging the pilosebaceous unit with little damage to the surrounding skin. viagra plus
We have designed a pilot study using topical ALA-PDT to treat 10 patients with mild to moderate acne. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ALA-PDT.
