Method of treating erythematous papules

Abstract

Methods for treating erythematous papules by irradiating skin with light having a wavelength between about 525 nanometers and 550 nanometers are provided.

Description

INTRODUCTION [0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 738,523 filed Dec. 15, 2000, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates in general to laser treatment of dermatological imperfections. The invention relates in particular to non-ablative laser treatment of erythematous papules such as acne and rosacea. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The aesthetic treatment of abnormal dermatological conditions such as acne and rosacea has hitherto involved using topical treatments, physical methods of pore extraction, and oral antibiotics as well as oral retinoids. Prior-art treatments and investigations of treatments have been concentrated primarily on the use of antibiotics, steroid therapies, and low intensity blue light for photochemical therapy. Treatment of dermatological imperfections such as acne and rosacea has received relatively little investigative attention. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The present invention is directed to a method for treating erythematous papules as well as the skin between the papules. Acne-prone skin is erythematous not only in areas of active acne, but also in areas where acne has previously occurred, or where it is about to occur. In addition, acne lesions often have excess melanin pigment in the area where inflammation has caused deposition of excess epidermal melanin in the superficial dermis and in the area of the hair follicles. In one aspect, the method of the present invention comprises irradiating the skin to be treated with light (electromagnetic radiation) having a wavelength selected such that it is preferentially absorbed in a dermal region of the skin including a melanocyte layer of the epidermis and a region of superficial vasculature immediately below the melanocyte layer. The light is delivered at a fluence sufficient that the preferential absorption thereof stimulates a wound healing response in the dermal region without causing a wound. The wound healing response promotes growth of dermal collagen, and other extracellular matrix and inflammatory compounds, in the area surrounding the hair follicles. This reorganization of dermal collagen affects the structure and function of sebaceous glands, altering their activity and reducing the incidence, severity and appearance of erythematous papules such as, but not limited to, rosacea, and both inflammatory and comedonal acne.

Problems solved by technology

While such imperfections may not be considered as aesthetically unpleasant or inconvenient, they are nonetheless dermatological imperfections.

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