Targeting of sebaceous follicles as a treatment of sebaceous gland disorders

Abstract

Laser treatments of sebaceous gland disorders with laser sensitive dyes are disclosed. A preferred laser treatment includes topical application of an energy activatable material to the skin followed by laser irradiation.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for treating a sebaceous gland disorder comprising the steps of 
 a) topically applying an energy activatable material to a section of skin afflicted with a sebaceous gland disorder, wherein said material is activated by energy which penetrates outer layers of epidermis,    b) iontophoretically causing a sufficient amount of said material to infiltrate into spaces in said skin; and    c) exposing said section of skin to energy sufficient to cause said material to become photochemically or photothermally activated, thereby treating said sebaceous gland disorder.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said energy activatable material is selected from the group consisting of chromophore containing groups, carbon particles and iron oxides.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said chromophore containing group is methylene blue.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said chromophore containing group is a laser sensitive material.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said laser sensitive material is methylene blue.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said energy activatable material is suspended in a pharmaceutical carrier.  
     
     
         7 . A method for modifying the opening to the infundibulum comprising the steps of: 
 a) topically applying an energy activatable material to the opening to the infundibulum, wherein said material is activated by energy which penetrates outer layers of epidermis,    b) iontophoretically causing a sufficient amount of said material to infiltrate into spaces about said infundibulum; and    c) exposing said section of skin with sufficient energy to cause said material to become photochemically or photothermally activated, thereby modifying said opening to the infundibulum.    
     
     
         8 . A method for modifying the pilosebaceous unit comprising the steps of: 
 a) topically applying an energy activatable material to the pilosebaceous unit, wherein said material is activated by energy which penetrates outer layers of epidermis,    b) iontophoretically causing a sufficient amount of said material to infiltrate the pilosebaceous unit; and    c) exposing said section of skin with sufficient energy to cause said material to become photochemically or photothermally activated, thereby modifying the pilosebaceous unit.