Acne and Rosacea Charity Training Manual

Light and Laser Treatment
Sunlight
Most patient say that their acne is better after a hot sunny holiday. Occasionally, patient holidaying in a hot humid environment may get an exacerbation
of their acne (see high humidity in Module 1).
Ultraviolet (UV) light will provide a sun tan, which will have a cosmetic effect on the skin. In vitro, UV will inhibit the growth of P acnes and will suppress the
immune function on the skin, so it should have an effect on acne. However, studies in the 1970’s showed that UV light had no effect on tar induced
comedones and a clinical study showed little effect of UV light on inflammatory acne. Historically, UV light was used in acne but poor results resulted in
loss of interest and it is no longer used.
Blue Light
Blue light at 440 nm has been used to treat acne with some success. P acne contains protophorphyrins (see Proliferation of P acnes in Module 1) which
can be excited by light at 440 nm resulting in release of free radicles which will kill the bacteria. Initial studies by Meffert H et al in Berlin in the late 80’s
using a blue light-type high pressure lamp
Small studies showed improvement in acne and reduction of acne lesions following treatment with blue light but as this works as an anti-bacterial agent,
it needs to be used on a daily basis.
Red and Blue Light
In 2000, we published the results of a trial using strip lights producing light at 440 nm (blue light) and 66 nm (red light). The hypothesis was that the blue
light would kill bacteria and the red light would suppress inflammation and aid healing. The results showed that the treatment was effective with 65%
patients achieving a marked improvement of their inflammatory acne.
The main problem was compliance. Patient had to sit with goggles on in front the unit for 5 minutes every day – which a number of our younger patients
found very difficult. A commercial unit was produced but may no longer be available.