Cosmetic uses of lasers on the skin are well known and advertised.  But a recent meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery hinted at emerging uses of lasers and other light sources to treat common skin disorders.  Devices are in clinical trials or various stages of FDA review for treating acne, either with or without the addition of photo dynamic drugs.  Most new laser methods have a common goal--to reduce the activity of oil glands which feed the very inflammatory bumps we know as acne.

Newer light sources may supplement older ones in the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic disorder which offers responds to treatment with ultraviolet light.  Some of the newer devices may target plaques of psoriasis more efficiently than the older ultraviolet light boxes, and Excimer and other lasers may play future role in treating psoriasis as well.

Interest is building in the use of lasers to treat various skin cancers, in combination with photo dynamic chemicals.  And, as lasers become more mainstream in dermatology offices such common, pesky problems as warts may succumb to the laser spell.

Lasers to treat skin disease--moving through the tunnel we see the light at the end a little better.  For a copy of this script access our web site speakingofhealth.com.  Speaking of Health, I'm Dr. Steven Andrew Davis for CBS News.