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Laser device to treat acne had great success during trials at the London Hammersmith Hospital.
Research at the Hammersmith Hospital showed that ten out of 41 patients who were given a five-minute N-Lite laser session were completely cured of acne. A further 58 per cent reported a marked improvement.
Dr Tony Chu, consultant dermatologist
at Hammersmith Hospital and founder of the Acne Support Group, said
that he was convinced of the merits of the laser treatment, which he
claims is the most important breakthrough in acne treatment for 30 years.
According to the research, the laser has two effects on acne: the wavelength
of light kills the bacteria and it has a collagen-producing effect.
So the energy of the light targets the blood vessels in the skin and
fools them in to thinking there has been a wound and the collagen produces
a wound-healing response.
The NLite is currently being used
at 25 private clinics in the UK but the NHS trial is a significant step
forward.
The Hammersmith Hospital had previously been involved in studying the use of UV light against acne, but found it was not appropriate for long-term treatment.
41 people took part of the trials. Each received one treatment using the NLite and they were monitored for three months. The results showed 81% had undergone a significant improvement and in 58% of tests, the acne present had been reduced by 50%.
N-Lite laser treatment will cost at least £300, depending on the number of visits people have to make.