WO2004064923A1 - Apparatus and method for treatment of skin conditions using light - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for treatment of skin conditions using light Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004064923A1 WO2004064923A1 PCT/GB2004/000285 GB2004000285W WO2004064923A1 WO 2004064923 A1 WO2004064923 A1 WO 2004064923A1 GB 2004000285 W GB2004000285 W GB 2004000285W WO 2004064923 A1 WO2004064923 A1 WO 2004064923A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- skin
- illuminating device
- light
- area
- radiation
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
- A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
- A61B18/203—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser applying laser energy to the outside of the body
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- F21V29/50—Cooling arrangements
- F21V29/54—Cooling arrangements using thermoelectric means, e.g. Peltier elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
- A61N5/0616—Skin treatment other than tanning
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- F21V29/50—Cooling arrangements
- F21V29/51—Cooling arrangements using condensation or evaporation of a fluid, e.g. heat pipes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00005—Cooling or heating of the probe or tissue immediately surrounding the probe
- A61B2018/00011—Cooling or heating of the probe or tissue immediately surrounding the probe with fluids
- A61B2018/00023—Cooling or heating of the probe or tissue immediately surrounding the probe with fluids closed, i.e. without wound contact by the fluid
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00315—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
- A61B2018/00452—Skin
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N2005/0635—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the body area to be irradiated
- A61N2005/0643—Applicators, probes irradiating specific body areas in close proximity
- A61N2005/0644—Handheld applicators
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
- A61N2005/0651—Diodes
- A61N2005/0652—Arrays of diodes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L33/00—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L33/48—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor body packages
- H01L33/64—Heat extraction or cooling elements
- H01L33/645—Heat extraction or cooling elements the elements being electrically controlled, e.g. Peltier elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L33/00—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L33/48—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor body packages
- H01L33/64—Heat extraction or cooling elements
- H01L33/648—Heat extraction or cooling elements the elements comprising fluids, e.g. heat-pipes
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the treatment of a skin condition or for improving the cosmetic appearance of skin.
- the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
- Acne Vulgaris is a skin condition which affects almost 100% of the population at some point in their lives. It is a condition of the sebaceous follicles (pores) and can lead to lesions on the skin, primarily on the face, shoulders and back. The symptoms of Acne Vulgaris, and of other similar skin conditions, can be unsightly and undesirable cosmetically.
- Acne Vulgaris is caused by a number of factors, of which the most significant are believed to be: excessive hormone production (especially androgens), excessive sebum production (sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands to keep the skin soft, pliable and waterproof) , excessive dead cell shedding, the presence of bacteria (particularly Propionibacterium acnes) in the sebaceous follicles and the bodies inflammatory response (che otaxis) .
- the process starts when dead skin cells and the oily substance sebum combine to block the skin' s sebaceous follicles.
- the dead skin and sebum form a plug which traps oil and bacteria within the sebaceous follicles.
- the sebaceous follicle begins to swell as the skin continues its normal oil production.
- Propionibacterium acnes multiply rapidly in the clogged pore. The multiplication of the bacteria produces substances which cause inflammation in the follicle and surrounding skin. The body's response is to send white blood cells to the inflamed areas.
- the lesions range in severity and can be defined as comedones, papules, nodules, pustules and cysts.
- Comedones are sebaceous follicles that have become blocked.
- Papules are small (less than 5mm) solid lesions slightly above the surface of the skin.
- Nodules are larger papules (greater than 5mm) .
- Pustules are dome shaped fragile lesions typically containing a mixture of white blood cells, dead cells and bacteria. Cysts are similar to pustules but are larger and are severely inflamed and often lead to scarring.
- a treatment for Acne Vulgaris using light radiation is disclosed in GB 2 368 020.
- radiation is provided at specific energy densities and wavelengths in order to cause photo-chemical and photo- thermal reactions in the skin.
- the photo-chemical reaction leads to a partial disabling or eradication of a cause of the skin condition while the photo-thermal reaction increases collagen production, thereby helping to reduce the risk of scarring.
- GB 2 368 020 requires the provision of relatively high doses of radiation (0.5Jcm ⁇ 2 to 5Jcm -2 ) in short periods of time (lO ⁇ s to 100ms) in order to produce the photo-thermal effects in the skin.
- Providing these high energy levels over short periods of time requires high power lasers.
- an apparatus for the treatment of a skin condition comprising an illuminating device, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the illuminating device, wherein the illuminating device is so arranged and configured that it is able in use to emit light radiation of an energy and wavelength profile sufficient to cause a photochemical reaction within an area of skin affected by the skin condition, which reaction would result in agents causing the skin condition being at least partially disabled or destroyed, and the control unit and illuminating device are so arranged and configured that the control unit is able in use to cause the illuminating device to direct light radiation on to an area within a distance of no more than 1000mm from the illuminating device such that: the light energy received at said area during a period of at least 100ms is at least 0.01Jem "2 , the light energy received at said area in any given period of lO ⁇ s is less than 0.5 Jem -2 , and the light energy so delivered in any given period of 100ms is less than 5 Jem "2
- an apparatus for improving the cosmetic appearance of the skin of a mammal comprising an illuminating device for emitting light radiation, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the illuminating device, wherein the control unit is so arranged and configured that it is able in use to cause the illuminating device to direct light radiation on to an area within a distance of no more than 1000mm from the illuminating device such that: the light energy received at said area during a period of at least 100ms is at least 0.01Jem "2 , the light energy received at said area in any given period of lO ⁇ s is less than 0.5 Jem "2 , and the light energy so delivered in any given period of 100ms is less than 5 Jem "2 , whereby the apparatus may be used to improve the cosmetic appearance of the skin.
- the illuminating device may be so arranged and configured that it is able, when being used to direct light onto the skin, to emit light radiation of an energy and wavelength profile sufficient to cause a photochemical reaction within an area of the skin being targeted.
- the photochemical reaction may be caused in such a way that it partially disables or destroys agents in the skin that are causing the cosmetic appearance of the skin to be worsened.
- an apparatus for the treatment of Acne Vulgaris comprising one or more light emitting diodes, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of said one or more light emitting diodes, wherein said microprocessor and said one or more light emitting diodes are so arranged and configured that said one or more light emitting diodes are able in use to deliver a dose of light radiation onto a surface during a period of at least 100ms, such that the surface receives during said dose light energy of at least 0.01Jem "2 , the light so delivered including radiation having a wavelength in the range of 350nm and 700nm, whereby the apparatus may be used to treat a region of skin affected by the condition Acne Vulgaris by causing a photochemical reaction in said region that stimulates the production of free radicals that react with, and at least partially disable or destroy, bacteria that contribute to the symptoms of Acne Vulgaris.
- the apparatus may alternatively or additionally be suitable for improving the cosmetic appearance of the skin of a mammal, for example a human being.
- the illuminating device of the apparatus of the invention may be so arranged and configured that it is able, when being used to direct light onto the skin, to emit light radiation of an energy wavelength profile sufficient to cause a photochemical reaction within an area of the skin being targeted.
- the photochemical reaction may be caused in such a way that it partially disables or destroys agents in the skin that are causing the cosmetic appearance of the skin to be worsened.
- the illuminating device preferably comprises one or more light emitting semiconductor devices.
- the or each semiconductor device may be in the form of a diode .
- the illuminating device may for example comprise one or more LEDs . LEDs are, advantageously relatively inexpensive and simple to operate in comparison to lasers. Laser diodes may additionally or alternatively be used.
- the illuminating device is in the form of a device, for example comprising at least one semiconductor device that in use acts as the active light emitting element (s), that has a power input requirement of less than 500 , and preferably less than 100 , per individual semiconductor device .
- the control unit and illuminating device of the apparatus may be so configured and arranged that the control unit is able in use to cause the illuminating device to deliver light energy of between 0.01 and 100 Jem -2 to said area during a period of between 200ms and 3 seconds, or more preferably during a period of between 300ms and 2 seconds.
- the control unit and illuminating device may be arranged to emit radiation during a single treatment over a longer period of time, so that during a single treatment more than 100 Jem "2 is delivered over a period of greater than 3 seconds.
- a single treatment might last as long as up to 10 hours.
- control unit and illuminating device of the apparatus are so configured and arranged that less than 100 Jem -2 of light energy is delivered during any period of 3 seconds .
- the control unit and illuminating device may be so configured and arranged that the illuminating device delivers pulsed light radiation during a single treatment.
- the control unit and illuminating device may be so configured and arranged that the illuminating device delivers continuous light radiation during a single treatment.
- the apparatus may be so configured to be able to deliver either continuous or pulsed radiation at the choice of the user.
- the control unit and illuminating device of the apparatus may be so configured and arranged that the control unit is able in use to cause the illuminating device to deliver light energy of between 0.5 Jem "2 and 3 Jem -2 to said area during a period of between 100ms and 100 seconds.
- the apparatus may be in the form of a top up apparatus allowing lower levels of light energy to be delivered.
- the apparatus may be so configured and arranged that it is suitable for treatment of relatively small areas at a time.
- the apparatus may be so configured and arranged that, during a single dose of light radiation, an area of skin of between 12 and 200mm 2 is treated.
- the apparatus may be so configured and arranged that it is suitable for lower power operation over longer periods of time.
- the longer treatment may last for at least 30 seconds, preferably lasts for at least 10 minutes and more preferably lasts for at least an hour.
- the apparatus may be so configured and arranged that it is suitable for treatment of relatively large areas at a time.
- the apparatus may be so configured and arranged that, during a single treatment, an area of skin of between 0.003m 2 and 0.5m 2 is treated.
- the illuminating device is preferably arranged to provide light radiation including radiation having a wavelength of between 350nm and 1500nm.
- the illuminating device is preferably arranged to emit radiation at a wavelength between 350nm and lOOOnm, more preferably between 350nm and 700nm.
- the illuminating device is preferably arranged to provide light radiation including radiation having a wavelength between 570nm and 600nm.
- the illuminating device may alternatively or additionally be arranged to provide light radiation of a wavelength between 390nm and 420nm, and preferably includes light radiation having a wavelength of about 405nm.
- the photo-chemical reaction that may be caused by the apparatus when used to treat the skin may take place in Porphyrin, which is a naturally occurring substance produced by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. Further discussion is provided below in relation to a method according to another aspect of the invention.
- the Porphyrin activation spectrum has peaks at both about 585nm and 405nm. Providing light radiation including light having a wavelength between 390nm and 420nm and including light having a wavelength between 570nm and 600nm is considered to be particularly advantageous as such a combination may activate Porphyrin at different depths in the skin tissue. Also, it is believed that red light (of a wavelength between 630nm and 680nm) may aid in the wound healing process.
- the illuminating device is preferably arranged to provide light radiation having a peak power level of less than lOO cm "2 . More preferably, the illuminating device is preferably arranged to provide light radiation having a peak power level of less than lOWcm “2 . Even more preferably, the illuminating device is preferably arranged to provide light radiation having a peak power level of less than 5 cm “2 .
- the peak power level is between about lWcm “2 and 5Wcm "2 .
- the peak power level may be between about lWcm "2 and 3 cm ⁇ 2 .
- the apparatus may include cooling means for controlling the temperature of the illuminating device.
- the control unit is preferably arranged to control operation of any such cooling means.
- the control unit may conveniently comprise a suitably pre-programmed microprocessor.
- a use of said apparatus including illuminating a surface within a distance of no more than lOOOmm from the illuminating device with radiation of an energy such that an area of at least 12mm 2 receives energy from the illuminating device during a period of at least lOOms of at least O.OlJcm -2 , the radiation including radiation having a wavelength of between 350 and 700nm (preferably including radiation having a wavelength of between 570 nm and 600 nm and/or of between 390nm and 420nm) , the energy received from the illuminating device at said area in any given period of lO ⁇ s being less than 0.5 Jem "2 , and the energy received from the illuminating device in any given period of 100ms
- Said use is advantageously, but not necessarily, performed to treat a skin condition on the skin of a human.
- the use of the apparatus may for example be in the form of performing a method of improving the cosmetic appearance of the skin and/or a method of cosmetic treatment of a skin condition.
- the use of the apparatus may for example be in the form of testing and/or demonstrating the apparatus on a surface that is, for example, not in the form of the skin of a living animal or human.
- the apparatus of the invention is advantageously so arranged that the apparatus may be used to treat the skin of a patient without the need to pre-cool the skin before treatment .
- a method for the treatment of a skin condition comprising the steps of providing an illuminating device, and operating the illuminating device to direct light radiation on to an area of skin affected by the skin condition, wherein during a single treatment, lasting at least 100ms, said area receives light energy from the illuminating device of at least 0.01Jem -2 , the light energy so delivered in any given period of lO ⁇ s is less than 0.5 Jem "2 , the light energy so delivered in any given period of 100ms is less than 5 Jem "2 , and the light energy so delivered causes a photochemical reaction within the affected skin which at least partially disables or destroys agents causing the skin condition.
- a method of improving the cosmetic appearance of a region of the skin comprising the steps of providing an illuminating device, and operating the illuminating device to direct light radiation on to the region of skin, wherein during a period of at least 100ms, said region receives light energy from the illuminating device of at least 0.01Jem "2 , the light energy so delivered in any given period of lO ⁇ s is less than 0.5 Jem "2 , and the light energy so delivered in any given period of 100ms is less than 5 Jem "2 .
- a method for the cosmetic treatment of Acne Vulgaris comprising the steps of providing an illuminating device, and operating the illuminating device to direct light radiation on to an area of skin affected by Acne Vulgaris, wherein during a single treatment, lasting at least 100ms, said area receives light energy from the illuminating device of at least 0.01Jem "2 , the light energy so delivered in any given period of lO ⁇ s is less than 0.5 Jem "2 , the light energy so delivered in any given period of 100ms is less than 5 Jem "2 , and the light energy so delivered causes a photochemical reaction within the affected skin which at least partially disables or destroys bacteria contributing to the symptoms of Acne Vulgaris.
- the present invention further provides a method for improving the appearance of a region of skin by means of conducting the steps of providing an illuminating device, and operating the illuminating device to direct light radiation on to the region of skin, wherein during a period of at least 100ms, said region receives light energy from the illuminating device of at least 0.01Jem "2 , the light energy so delivered in any given period of lO ⁇ s is less than 0.5Jcm "2 , and the light energy so delivered in any given period of 100ms is less than 5 Jem "2 .
- a method for treting the skin condition Acne Vulgaris including the steps of providing one or more light emitting diodes, and operating said one or more light emitting diodes to direct light radiation on to a region of skin affected by Acne Vulgaris, wherein during a single dose lasting at least 100ms, said region receives light energy from said one or more light emitting diodes of at least 0.01Jem "2 , and the light energy causes a photochemical reaction in said region that stimulates the production of free radicals that react with, and at least partially disable or destroy, bacteria that contribute to the symptoms of Acne Vulgaris.
- the light energy so delivered advantageously causes a photochemical reaction within the skin.
- the method may be non-therapeutic.
- the illuminating device may be operated in such a way as to cause no therapeutic effect on the region of skin. Conducting the method may however result in the cosmetic appearance of the affected area of skin being improved.
- the method of the invention is performed without any active pre-cooling of the skin immediately before treatment.
- said region receives light energy from the illuminating device of less than lOkJcm "2 , and more preferably less than IkJc "2 .
- no more than lOOJcm "2 of light energy is delivered over any given period of 1 minute.
- the method may be so performed that during said period of at least 100ms, no more than lOOJcm -2 of light energy is delivered over any given period of 10 minutes.
- the light energy so delivered in any given period of 1ms is preferably less than lJcm "2 .
- the light energy so delivered in any given period of 10ms is preferably less than lJcm "2 .
- the light energy so delivered in any given period of 500 ⁇ s is preferably less than Ucm "2 . Said period is preferably less than 10 hours.
- the light energy so delivered in any given period of lO ⁇ s is preferably less than 50mJcm ⁇ 2 , more preferably is less than lOmJcm "2 , and yet more preferably is less than
- the light energy so delivered in any given period of lO ⁇ s may be less than ImJcm "2 .
- the lower power requirements of the present invention compared to prior art methods means that LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) can be used rather than lasers. At low powers, these tend to be cheaper and less complicated than equivalent laser systems. Also the use of laser devices is in many countries subject to strict regulations.
- the illuminating device thus advantageously includes a plurality of LEDs, for example, including a plurality of LEDs grouped together to form an array. A single LED may be used.
- the LEDs may form a 1 dimensional line array or a 2 dimensional array suitable for illumination of larger areas such as the face or back.
- the LEDs could be grouped to form a face mask under which a user (i.e. a person whose skin is affected by a skin condition) could be positioned.
- Using such a face mask system enables a substantially uniform dose of radiation to be applied to the whole face within a short amount of time, for example in a period as short as 30 seconds. In contrast, it can take up to 30 minutes for an operator to treat a whole face using the single spot applicator system. In both cases, the skin would receive a similar dose of light radiation to induce a similar photochemical response.
- the method may be utilised in a method of therapeutic treatment on the human body.
- the method may alternatively be non-therapeutic, in that the method does not treat a skin disease; rather, the method treats a skin condition.
- the method may be in the form of a method of cosmetic treatment.
- the method is preferably for the cosmetic treatment of Acne Vulgaris.
- the method may be in the form of a method for the cosmetic treatment of Rosacea.
- the "skin” referred to may be the skin of a mammalian animal, preferably human.
- the method is preferably non- surgical.
- the illuminating device is preferably arranged and configured so as to be unable to be operated at sufficiently high power to be considered a surgical device necessitating a skilled operator, such as a surgeon.
- Such features provide a key advantage in that the illuminating device may thus be arranged to be intrinsically more safe and less complex to operate and manufacture than the pulsed dye laser of apparatuses of the prior art.
- Performance of the method may cause a photo-chemical reaction in the skin that disables or destroys, wholly or partially, the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which, as described above, is one of the causes of Acne Vulgaris.
- Propionibacterium acnes is anaerobic and is harmed by the presence of oxygen.
- the photo-chemical reaction may be such that the symptoms of acne are, at least temporarily, reduced without permanently destroying the agents, for example the bacteria, that contribute to the symptoms of a skin condition.
- the photo-chemical reaction may take place in a substance as a result of that substance absorbing radiation within a range of particular wavelengths (the reaction being significantly slower or non-existent outside the range) .
- the wavelength of radiation used produces a photo-chemical reaction in a substance (a chromophore, for example) of, on or in the skin that results in the production of free radicals (for example in the form of oxygen singlets) which thereafter may destroy the bacterium.
- the chromophore targeted is preferably Porphyrin.
- Porphyrin is a naturally occurring substance produced by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes.
- Porphyrin produces singlet oxygen when excited by light of a wavelength of around 585nm (yellow light) and also when excited by light of a wavelength of around 405nm (violet/near ultra-violet light) . Light at other wavelengths is also able to stimulate free-radical production.
- the method according to the present invention provides a means of destroying, at least partially, the bacteria that contributes to a skin condition but without needing to use high power lasers, which as mentioned above have various disadvantages.
- the duration of the treatment or the length of the period during which light radiation is provided by the illuminating device may, for example, be between 100ms and 30 minutes, is preferably between 200ms and 10 seconds, is more preferably between 200ms and 3 seconds and is yet more preferably between 300ms and 2 seconds.
- the duration or period may alternatively or additionally be greater than 500ms.
- the delivery of light radiation may continuous during a single treatment or during said period.
- the delivery of light radiation may be pulsed during a single treatment or during said period.
- the duration of the light radiation is preferably substantially greater than the thermal relaxation time of the microvascular system near the area of skin affected by the skin condition.
- the energy density of the illuminating radiation delivered may, for example, be between 0.01 and 100 Jem "2 , is preferably between 0.1 and 10 Jem -2 , is more preferably between 0.5 and 3 Jem -2 and is even more preferably between 1 and 3 Jem -2 .
- the energy density may be less than 2 Jem "2 . Lower energy densities are preferable at longer durations.
- the dominant wavelength of the illuminating radiation is preferably pre-determined.
- the radiation may, for example, include radiation having a wavelength of between 350nm and 1500nm, or more preferably between 350nm and lOOOnm.
- the wavelength is preferably between 350nm and 700nm, more preferably between 570nm and 600nm and is even more preferably between 580nm and 590nm.
- the illuminating radiation may include radiation substantially concentrated around the wavelength of yellow light (585nm) .
- the radiation may include radiation having a wavelength of between 350nm and 450nm, or more preferably between 390nm and 420nm.
- the illuminating radiation may include radiation substantially concentrated around the wavelength of violet/near ultra-violet light (405nm) .
- the radiation may be chosen to correspond to a photosensitizer such as for example porphyrin in skin tissue.
- the wavelength of the light radiation may be chosen to correspond with a wavelength suitable for targeting the porphyrin in the skin layers at a depth suitable to ensure that singlet oxygen is released which affects the proprionibacterium Acnes without significantly affecting other tissues.
- the illuminating radiation may be provided to an area of the affected skin of between 12 and 200mm 2 , for example, to a spot size of diameter -16mm.
- the area may be less than 100mm 2 .
- a greater area may be treated however.
- an area of up to 0.1m 2 or even up to 0.5m 2 might be treated simultaneously.
- the illuminating radiation delivered has a peak optical power level of less than lOOWcm "2 and more preferably less than 10 cm “2 .
- the illuminating radiation preferably provides a peak optical output power level of between 1 and 5 cm “2 .
- the light energy so delivered by the illuminating device may cause a photochemical reaction within the affected skin thereby stimulating the production of free- radicals, which react with, and at least partially disable or destroy, agents causing the skin condition.
- a low power spot or line treatment may be used to "top up" the higher dose treatment described above.
- the top up treatment may for example be provided at lower powers than the higher dose treatment and over longer periods of time (for example, overnight) .
- Such a low power treatment might be particularly well suited to use of the illuminating device in the home.
- the method is preferably performed such that the distance between the illuminating device and the surface onto which the radiation is delivered is less than 1000mm, and is preferably less than 100mm.
- the distance of separation may be less than 50mm.
- the illuminating device and the surface may be directly adjacent to each other and may for example touch when radiation is being delivered.
- the extent/amount of the photochemical reaction depends primarily on the amount of light (i.e. number of photons) received per unit area and that the power of light used has a lesser effect.
- the light energy it is preferred for the light energy to be delivered over a relatively short time without exceeding a given power level that might cause undesirable effects resulting from heating of the skin.
- the present invention is able to provide an apparatus that utilises semiconductor light emitting devices (such as LEDs or laser diodes) that are able to operate at such power levels.
- the method of the invention may include use of the apparatus of the invention and that the apparatus of the invention may be arranged and configured to be suitable for performing the method of the invention.
- features described with reference to the method of the invention may be incorporated in the apparatus of the invention.
- features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention may be incorporated in the method of the invention.
- Figure 1 shows an apparatus including a control unit and an illuminating device being used to treat the skin of a patient;
- Figure 2 shows the control unit and illuminating device of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 shows in greater detail the illuminating device of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.
- Figure 1 shows an apparatus 10 for the treatment of a skin condition such as acne by directing light radiation 12 onto the skin 11 of a human patient.
- the skin to be treated in this embodiment is an area of skin on the face including a spot having a diameter about 6mm.
- the apparatus 10, in this embodiment a hand-held battery powered unit, includes an illuminating device 1 and a control unit 9 linked thereto which controls the radiation emitted by the device 1.
- the housing of the apparatus 10 is elongate in shape and has a proximal end via which light is emitted from the illuminating device 1. The overall length of the housing is about 15cm.
- the apparatus 10 in use, is placed against the skin with the illuminating device 1 being positioned so as to direct radiation towards the affected area.
- the apparatus is programmed to set the duration of the radiation and the power of radiation.
- the apparatus is set to provide a single pulse of light energy lasting 1 second that delivers 1.5 Jem "2 to the 6mm diameter spot .
- the peak power output of the illuminating device 1 is below 5W/cm ⁇ 2 .
- the energy profile over time of the radiation delivered is such that the energy is continuously delivered during the 1 second pulse and is such that during any period of lO ⁇ s the light energy delivered is less than 0.5 Jem -2 and such that during any period of 100ms the light energy delivered is less than 5 Jem "2 .
- the method of this embodiment relies solely on photochemical effects that occur within the skin as is explained in further detail below.
- the method of the invention is so performed that, and/or the apparatus of the invention is so arranged that in normal use, there is substantially no beneficial photo-thermal reaction caused within the skin.
- the radiation received by the skin 11 causes a photochemical reaction in Porphyrin in the skin that releases singlet oxygen (a free radical) , which then destroys at least some of the bacteria, which is one of the causes of the symptoms of acne.
- the radiation received is however well below the level at which erythema may be induced.
- the radiation emitted by the illuminating device includes light having an intensity that peaks at a wavelength of about 585nm and includes components of light radiation having wavelengths in the range of 570-600nm. Such wavelengths are suitable for targeting the porphyrin in the skin layers at a depth sufficient for causing the released reactive oxygen to affect the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria without significantly affecting other tissues.
- the illuminating device includes a plurality of LEDs 7 arranged in a 2-D array 2 (shown schematically in Figure 2 as LEDs arranged in a close-packed formation) connected to a lens arrangement (not shown) that focuses the radiation emitted by the LEDs, so that a concentrated source of light is provided.
- the device 1 is therefore suitable for "spot treatment" of skin condition (i.e. treating small areas one at a time) .
- Figure 3 shows other components of the illuminating device 1, such other components being provided to cool the LEDs.
- illuminating device (generally designated 1) comprising, in sequence, an LED diode array 2, a high thermal conductivity heat spreader layer 3, a Peltier type thermoelectric cooler 4 and a heat pipe arrangement 5 (including a distal condenser 6).
- the heat spreader 3, thermoelectric cooler 4 and heat pipe arrangement 5 are provided to keep the operating temperature of the LEDs at a reduced level and therefore operating most efficiently. It is well-known that the efficiency of an LED increases with reduced operating temperature and in the case of LEDs operating at wavelengths between 550nm and 650nm this dependence on temperature is very high. Heat flowing from the LED diode array 2 is spread over a larger area by the high conductivity spreader layer 3. This layer is typically only a few millimetres thick and provides rapid and highly efficient heat transfer away from the diode array 2. Heat then flows into the cold end of the thermoelectric Peltier cooler 4. The hot end of the thermoelectric Peltier cooler layer 4 is in heat transfer coupling with the heat pipe 5.
- the high thermal conductivity layer 3 includes a diamond material, which is laid down by means of a plasma/chemical vapour deposition method.
- the Peltier cooler 4 includes a separate control means including associated drive circuitry which accurately controls, during use, the heat transfer away from the LED diode array 2 via the high thermal conductivity spreader layer 3. Accurate control of the driven Peltier thermoelectric cooler 4 (in combination with the provision of the high thermal conductivity heat spreader layer 3 and the downstream heat pipe cooling arrangement 5) provides for extremely efficient thermal management of the apparatus, and in particular the diode array 2, which ensures consistency of the light output.
- the heat pipe arrangement 5 includes a wick to direct fluid coolant (contained in the heat pipe arrangement 5) away from the "hot zone" via capillary action, gravity or diffusion.
- the arrangement includes a fluid return system to return cooled fluid from the "cold zone" at the distal end of the apparatus, which is provided with a condenser 6.
- the condenser 6 is itself cooled by air cooling.
- the treatment of Acne using this method has been / will be trialled on patients suffering from facial acne.
- the illuminating device used in these trials was in the form of a small spot illuminating device (as described above) .
- the radiation emitted during a single dose was about 1.5J/cm "2 for a 6mm spot size.
- Trials are also planned with the use of the illuminating device similar to that described above but being in the form of a larger 2-D array of such devices. Such an array of devices would for example be suitable for illumination and treatment of larger areas such as the face or back.
- the results of the initial trials appear to demonstrate a beneficial effect on the skin conditions treated.
- An alternative apparatus for performing the above described method is described in WO 03/081127, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the illuminating device used may be in the form of any illuminating device able to produce controlled doses of radiation at appropriate energy levels and wavelengths, without exceeding certain power levels.
- the illuminating device may be in the form of a line of a plurality of the illuminating devices described above (a "line treatment") or could be in the form of the 2-D array of devices as proposed for use in the trials (a "wide area treatment”) .
- a lower fluence device for spot treatment or for line treatment that can be used to "top-up" the higher dosage spot treatment described above. Such a low fluence device would be particularly suitable for home-use.
- the wavelength of radiation used is in the range 570-600nm.
- other embodiments are envisaged that target other peaks in the porphyrin absorption within the skin tissue.
- light radiation having wavelengths in the violet/near ultra-violet light, blue, green and red wavelength bands could also be used, either individually, or in various combinations.
- the light could be emitted from a single apparatus (possibly from a single illuminating device) or by separate apparatuses.
- the control unit would of course control the relative levels of light for the different colours to deliver differing amounts of reactive light at different depths in the skin - thereby tailoring the proposed treatment dependent on the depth of infection by the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04704641A EP1587583A1 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2004-01-23 | Apparatus and method for treatment of skin conditions using light |
CA002514213A CA2514213A1 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2004-01-23 | Apparatus and method for treatment of skin conditions using light |
JP2006500241A JP2006515772A (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2004-01-23 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING TREATMENT FOR SKIN CONDITIONS USING LIGHT |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0301740.7 | 2003-01-24 | ||
GB0301740A GB2397528B (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-01-24 | Method and device for treatment of skin conditions |
GBGB0301737.3A GB0301737D0 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-01-24 | Method and device for treatment of skin conditions |
GB0301737.3 | 2003-01-24 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2004064923A1 true WO2004064923A1 (en) | 2004-08-05 |
Family
ID=32773978
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2004/000285 WO2004064923A1 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2004-01-23 | Apparatus and method for treatment of skin conditions using light |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1587583A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2006515772A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20050096139A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1756577A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2514213A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB0301737D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004064923A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2007151807A (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2007-06-21 | Univ Meijo | Phototherapy method by semiconductor light-emitting element, and phototherapy system by semiconductor light-emitting element |
US8388669B2 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2013-03-05 | Panasonic Corporation | Hair growth modulating method and modulation device thereof |
EP3603745A1 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2020-02-05 | bredent medical GmbH & Co. KG | Therapy device for irradiating a surface of a tissue |
WO2021151518A1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2021-08-05 | Bredent Medical Gmbh & Co. Kg | Therapy device for irradiating a surface of tissue |
Families Citing this family (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8182473B2 (en) | 1999-01-08 | 2012-05-22 | Palomar Medical Technologies | Cooling system for a photocosmetic device |
US6508813B1 (en) | 1996-12-02 | 2003-01-21 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | System for electromagnetic radiation dermatology and head for use therewith |
US6517532B1 (en) | 1997-05-15 | 2003-02-11 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Light energy delivery head |
DK0991372T3 (en) | 1997-05-15 | 2004-12-06 | Palomar Medical Tech Inc | Apparatus for dermatological treatment |
BR0312430A (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2005-04-26 | Palomar Medical Tech Inc | Method and apparatus for treating skin and subcutaneous conditions |
EP1555948A2 (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2005-07-27 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Phototreatment device for use with coolants and topical substances |
US7856985B2 (en) | 2005-04-22 | 2010-12-28 | Cynosure, Inc. | Method of treatment body tissue using a non-uniform laser beam |
AU2006246723A1 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2006-11-23 | Photon Therapy Systems (Proprietary) Limited | A photon therapy device |
AU2006292526A1 (en) | 2005-09-15 | 2007-03-29 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Skin optical characterization device |
US7586957B2 (en) | 2006-08-02 | 2009-09-08 | Cynosure, Inc | Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for its operation and use |
KR100842040B1 (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2008-06-30 | (주)디오시스엠엔엠 | An apparatus for treating skin |
CN101609358B (en) * | 2008-06-17 | 2014-02-12 | 联想(北京)有限公司 | Radiating module, fan and computer |
US9919168B2 (en) | 2009-07-23 | 2018-03-20 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Method for improvement of cellulite appearance |
CN102563384A (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2012-07-11 | 上海广茂达光艺科技股份有限公司 | Lighting device with sterilizing function |
KR101135140B1 (en) * | 2011-04-07 | 2012-04-16 | 강원대학교산학협력단 | A portable device for treatment of pimple using light |
US9962545B2 (en) | 2012-02-21 | 2018-05-08 | Unimed Aps | Hand-held device for combined light and electrotherapy of a skin surface |
EP2839552A4 (en) | 2012-04-18 | 2015-12-30 | Cynosure Inc | Picosecond laser apparatus and methods for treating target tissues with same |
US10285757B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-05-14 | Cynosure, Llc | Picosecond optical radiation systems and methods of use |
JP6200267B2 (en) * | 2013-10-07 | 2017-09-20 | カイゲンファーマ株式会社 | 5α reductase inhibitor |
WO2019165426A1 (en) | 2018-02-26 | 2019-08-29 | Cynosure, Inc. | Q-switched cavity dumped sub-nanosecond laser |
US20200054893A1 (en) * | 2018-08-14 | 2020-02-20 | Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd. | Light irradiation apparatus |
CN109529200A (en) * | 2018-10-30 | 2019-03-29 | 杨原茂 | A kind of photon therapeutic equipment and its application method |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5549660A (en) * | 1990-11-15 | 1996-08-27 | Amron, Ltd. | Method of treating acne |
GB2356570A (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2001-05-30 | Oe Lys Ltd | Acne treating apparatus based on the emission of light in three different ranges of wavelength |
US20010023363A1 (en) * | 1998-07-09 | 2001-09-20 | Yoram Harth | Apparatus and method for high energy photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris and seborrhea |
GB2368020A (en) * | 2000-10-18 | 2002-04-24 | Icn Photonics Ltd | Treatment of acne vulgaris skin condition by irradiation with light of specific wavelengths to target specific chromophores & stimulate collagen production |
WO2003001984A2 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-01-09 | Light Bioscience, Inc. | Method and apparatus for the photomodulation of living cells |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5643334A (en) * | 1995-02-07 | 1997-07-01 | Esc Medical Systems Ltd. | Method and apparatus for the diagnostic and composite pulsed heating and photodynamic therapy treatment |
DE10123926A1 (en) * | 2001-03-08 | 2002-09-19 | Optomed Optomedical Systems Gmbh | irradiation device |
-
2003
- 2003-01-24 GB GBGB0301737.3A patent/GB0301737D0/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-01-24 GB GB0301740A patent/GB2397528B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-01-23 WO PCT/GB2004/000285 patent/WO2004064923A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2004-01-23 KR KR1020057013260A patent/KR20050096139A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2004-01-23 CA CA002514213A patent/CA2514213A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-01-23 EP EP04704641A patent/EP1587583A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2004-01-23 JP JP2006500241A patent/JP2006515772A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-01-23 CN CNA2004800056603A patent/CN1756577A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5549660A (en) * | 1990-11-15 | 1996-08-27 | Amron, Ltd. | Method of treating acne |
US20010023363A1 (en) * | 1998-07-09 | 2001-09-20 | Yoram Harth | Apparatus and method for high energy photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris and seborrhea |
GB2356570A (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2001-05-30 | Oe Lys Ltd | Acne treating apparatus based on the emission of light in three different ranges of wavelength |
GB2368020A (en) * | 2000-10-18 | 2002-04-24 | Icn Photonics Ltd | Treatment of acne vulgaris skin condition by irradiation with light of specific wavelengths to target specific chromophores & stimulate collagen production |
WO2003001984A2 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-01-09 | Light Bioscience, Inc. | Method and apparatus for the photomodulation of living cells |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2007151807A (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2007-06-21 | Univ Meijo | Phototherapy method by semiconductor light-emitting element, and phototherapy system by semiconductor light-emitting element |
US8388669B2 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2013-03-05 | Panasonic Corporation | Hair growth modulating method and modulation device thereof |
EP3603745A1 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2020-02-05 | bredent medical GmbH & Co. KG | Therapy device for irradiating a surface of a tissue |
WO2021151518A1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2021-08-05 | Bredent Medical Gmbh & Co. Kg | Therapy device for irradiating a surface of tissue |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0301740D0 (en) | 2003-02-26 |
CN1756577A (en) | 2006-04-05 |
GB2397528A (en) | 2004-07-28 |
GB0301737D0 (en) | 2003-02-26 |
JP2006515772A (en) | 2006-06-08 |
GB2397528B (en) | 2005-07-13 |
KR20050096139A (en) | 2005-10-05 |
EP1587583A1 (en) | 2005-10-26 |
CA2514213A1 (en) | 2004-08-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1587583A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for treatment of skin conditions using light | |
US20050055070A1 (en) | Method and device for treatment of skin conditions | |
US10532219B2 (en) | Apparatus for treatment of wounds and skin medical conditions at a predetermined skin area of a human body | |
US20040166129A1 (en) | Illumination radiation treatment of skin conditions | |
CA2605604C (en) | Methods and systems for laser treatment using non-uniform output beam | |
US8474463B2 (en) | Methods and devices for non-ablative laser treatment of dermatologic conditions | |
AU2002320215B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for the photomodulation of living cells | |
US20080058783A1 (en) | Handheld Photocosmetic Device | |
JP2000501016A (en) | Hair removal method and apparatus | |
EP0837717A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for dermatology treatment | |
WO2004078034A2 (en) | Method and apparatus for the repigmentation of human skin | |
KR100893761B1 (en) | A light treatment apparatus for capsule type | |
EP1680184B1 (en) | Apparatus for illuminating a zone of mammalian skin | |
KR20060031262A (en) | Tree-mode lighting theraphy apparatus which combined nd-yag laser apparatus with ultraviolet rays apparatus and ipl apparatus | |
ZA200506216B (en) | Apparatus and method for treatment of skin conditions using light | |
US20210052915A1 (en) | Laser system for multiple beam tissue therapy with tissue and laser functional cooling | |
Weiss | LED Low-Level Light Therapy | |
JP2011120688A (en) | Myopathy treatment apparatus | |
EA006415B1 (en) | Method for treating acne |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 1020057013260 Country of ref document: KR |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2514213 Country of ref document: CA Ref document number: 2006500241 Country of ref document: JP |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2004704641 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2005/06216 Country of ref document: ZA Ref document number: 200506216 Country of ref document: ZA |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 20048056603 Country of ref document: CN |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 1020057013260 Country of ref document: KR |
|
WWP | Wipo information: published in national office |
Ref document number: 2004704641 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWR | Wipo information: refused in national office |
Ref document number: 2004704641 Country of ref document: EP |
|
WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Ref document number: 2004704641 Country of ref document: EP |