Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous hair follicles, usually associated with adolescence. Each follicle contains a tiny hair and multiple sebaceous glands. Under normal circumstances, sebum, the oily substance made by the sebaceous glands, travels up the hair follicle and out to the skin's surface. However, with acne, sebum is trapped within the follicle, and bacteria multiplies within the clogged pores. Acne develops on areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous: the face, scalp, neck, chest, back, and upper arms and shoulders. Acne generally begins during puberty, although onset in the twenties or thirties is also common, and adult acne in women and men is on the rise.
At DCW, we offer many treatments for acne, including topical and oral therapies and peel programs. Newer technologies including laser and light (IPL & PDT) devices have increased our options for treating acne, as well as a variety of cosmetic and medical skin conditions.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a new treatment available, which utilizes blue light to help control inflammatory acne and the marks that it leaves. It has had remarkable results for those who suffer from adolescent or adult acne. The treatment is painless and takes less than an hour to perform. Photodynamic Therapy actually eliminates the bacteria that causes acne. When the skin is exposed to PDT, the light enters the sebaceous glands that harbor the bacteria. In turn, the blue light creates toxic oxygen molecules within the acne-causing bacteria that then destroy the bacteria and help the healing process. With the bacteria gone, the acne begins to clear up and the skin begins to heal. This modality provides another treatment course for those with resistant acne.

Psoriasis
Eczema
Acne
Pediatric Dermatology
Allergy Testing
Photorejuvenation (IPL)
Photodynamic Therapy For Pre-Cancerous Lesions
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Acne