How to zap those zits

Lasers could offer the biggest breakthrough in the treatment of acne for 30 years, say doctors.

They found a single 15-minute dose was enough to clear up half the spots targeted.

A laser treatment developed for use on birthmarks and wrinkles produced 'significant improvements' for four out of five acne patients.

Lasers could provide an alternative to the powerful drugs and antibiotics used to tackle acne for decades. The drugs have been linked
to side effects such as depression while doctors are also under pressure to prescribe fewer antibiotics.

Acne is almost universal in adolescence, a result of the hormones coursing around the body which over-stimulate glands in the skin, leading to blocked pores and infection.

But 'adult acne' triggered by stress is a growing problem, with celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Victoria Beckham and Britney Spears prone to outbreaks. Consultant dermatologist Tony Chu, who carried out the research, said the laser treatment stopped inflammation and prevented scarring.

'Our results suggest this treatment could be developed as a therapeutic approach that would allow simultaneous treatment of active acne and associated scarring,' he said.

The study used an N-Lite laser developed by the University of Wales to remove wrinkles.

Forty-one adults aged between 18 and 45 years with mild to moderate acne took part in the trial at Hammersmith Hospital, West London, with ten receiving 'sham' treatment.

All had failed to respond to conventional drugs and antibiotics. The laser wand was moved over their faces for around 15 minutes, says a report on Mr Chu's study published today in The Lancet.

Light treatment works by heating small blood vessels which reduces inflammation and encourages the skin's healing response.

The severity of acne reduced by half in patients given the treatment. Three patients with severe acne had 'striking' responses with rapid improvement in the first four weeks.

After 12 weeks, 81 per cent of the laser group showed significant improvement. Eighteen patients lost at least half their spots and ten lost them altogether.

'The rapidity of the response contrasts with that to conventional treatments such as oral antibiotics, which often need administration for six to eight weeks before benefits are seen,' said Mr Chu. Dr David Fenton, consultant dermatologist at St Thomas' Hospital in London, said the study was 'exciting news'.

' Acne can cause extreme anxiety and misery. It drives some sufferers to consider killing themselves,' he added.