(NAPSA)—IEt affects roughly 80 percent of the population worldwide in some form,is the most commonly diagnosed skin disorder in the U.S. and is the numberone reason patients visit a dermatologist. It’s acne, which can happen to people of all ages and races and can have a crippling effect on a person’s self esteem and is often a source of anxiety, low self-confidence and even depression. Acne is commonly associated with the teenage years as it usually begins at puberty and is gone by the early 20s but in some cases, it may not present itself at all until adulthood. Whatis Acne? Acne is caused by an enlargement of the sebaceous follicles, which contain oil-producing sebaceous glands, the root cause of acne. A serious skin disorder, acne often goes untreated resulting in pain, debilitating scar formations and skin damage. Types of Acne There are several types of acne that range from mild to rare and severe cases. Non-inflammatory acne includes whiteheads and blackheads, which are small, minor bumps that appear on the skin. Inflammatory acne includes papules and pustules (small, round lesions which are sometimes inflamed), and cystic acne which is the most severe form resulting in painful and inflamed lesions lodged deep within the skin. Acne Treatments Today, there are several overthe-counter and prescribed acne treatments on the market from topical creamsto oral medications. What works for one person might have adverse effects on another. Recent research reveals more may be done about acne than many people realize. For years, traditional oral and topical treatments haven't treated the direct source of acne—overactive, oil-producing sebaceous glands. Frustrated patients have long been searching for alternatives to the traditional acne treatment methods, which have been known to causeside effects. Now, there’s a new treatment option. The FDArecently granted clearance to the Smoothbeam diode laser for the non-invasive treatmentof facial acne. This laser creates a mild thermal injury just below the skin's surface, which alters the structure and function of the sebaceous glands, the root cause of acne. This allowsfor effective, long-lasting acne clearance. As the laser penetrates into the skin, heat is generated in and aroundthe sebaceous glands in the upper layers of the skin and the integrated dynamic cooling device also emits a cooling spray, which allows preservation of the skin, thus minimizing treatmentside effects. More Information For more information about laser treatments, you can visit www.candelalaser.com or call 1-800-783-8550, ext. 444.
