 
Dermatologist Researches Chemical Peels to Treat Acne |
Nearly 17 million Americans suffer from acne, and almost 20 percent of all visits to dermatologists are related to this disease.
Dee Anna Glaser, M.D., associate professor of dermatology, said the study will focus on alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acid peels. The study will compare the effectiveness of both chemical peels to see which will benefit the patient and dermatologist by reducing the trial and error that is part of many acne treatment regimens. Chemical peels are primarily used by dermatologists to improve the appearance of aging or sun-damaged skin.
"Because acne is so prevalent among young adults and it has such a negative impact on those affected, any treatment that can safely and effectively alleviate the symptoms of the disease can only be of benefit to society," Glaser said. "Plus, a therapy that can improve acne in fewer treatments will mean less time spent and reduced costs to the patients."
Chemical peels exfoliate, or unclog pores, in the skin. Alpha-hydroxy acid peels work by unclogging superficial pores, disrupting the environment that allows acne to expand. Beta-hydroxy peels penetrate oily glands that make sebum. Sebum helps to prevent evaporation of sweat. Unchecked, it creates an ideal environment for acne.
"You have these oily glands with bacteria there, and the cells are sticky and clog up the pores," Glaser explained. "Then the whitehead or blackhead plugs at the top, making it easy for an acne pustule to form underneath it. If the chemical peels can normalize how the cells behave, normalize the bacteria counts, lessen the sebum production, dislodge the clogged pore, then these would all be mechanisms that would potentially benefit acne."
The purpose of the study is to improve the acne and see if one of the chemical peel agents works better in a side-by-side comparison. To do that, Glaser will enroll 20 patients. The alpha-hydroxy acid peel will be applied to one half of the face, and the beta-hydroxy acid peel will be applied contra laterally.
The peels will be applied during six treatments every other week. The total duration of the volunteer's participation will be approximately 18 weeks, including treatments and follow-up.
Volunteers need to be between 13 and 50 years old with mild-to-moderate facial acne. For more information about participating in the study, call 268-5880.
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