METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATING SKIN CONDITIONS
Provided are methods and devices for treating skin conditions using an electrical signal applied to the skin of a subject.
1 . A device for providing an electrical therapy to a skin of a subject, the device comprising:
a transmission surface comprising a first electrode and a second electrode;
a power supply in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; and
a controller to regulate voltage, current, or a combination thereof of an electrical signal supplied to the first electrode and second electrode by the power supply,
wherein the device is configured to vaporize a biofilm.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the controller supplies a first voltage to the first electrode, and a second voltage to the second electrode, thereby creating a voltage potential between the first electrode and the second electrode.
3 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the first electrode and the second electrode contact the skin to generate an electric current through the skin.
4 . (canceled)
5 . (canceled)
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the voltage of the electrical signal is about 0.1 volts (V) to about 20 V.
7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the current of the electrical signal is less than about 5 milliamps (mA).
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a housing and a wire lead, wherein the power supply and the controller are disposed within the housing, wherein the wire lead connects the power supply and controller to the transmission surface.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the current of the electrical signal is an alternating current signal.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the current of the electrical signal is a direct current signal.
11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the electrical therapy treats acne, a snoring condition, a dry eye condition, a premature aging condition, or a combination thereof.
12 . A method of applying an electrical therapy to a skin of a subject, the method comprising:
contacting the skin with a first electrode and a second electrode; and
generating an electrical current through the skin by (i) applying a first voltage to a first location of the skin via the first electrode and (ii) applying a second voltage to a second location of the skin via the second electrode,
wherein the first voltage is different compared to the second voltage and
the electrical current vaporizes biofilm.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the electrical current is at least 0.1 milliamps (mA).
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are about 0.1 volts (V) to about 20 V.
15 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising applying a solution to the skin to reduce electrical resistivity of the skin.
16 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the electrical therapy is an acne reduction therapy.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the acne reduction therapy reduces instances of Acne Rosacea inflammation.
18 . (canceled)
19 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the electrical therapy treats a snoring condition.
20 . (canceled)
21 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the first electrode and second electrode are provided on a transmission surface, and wherein said transmission surface comprises a curvature adapted to conform to a bridge of a nose.
22 . (canceled)
23 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the electrical therapy treats a premature aging condition or a dry eye condition.
24 . (canceled)
25 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the biofilm is on the skin, within a skin gland, on an eyelid margin, within a gland within an eyelid, or a combination thereof.
26 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the biofilm is on the skin, within a skin gland, on an eyelid margin, within a gland within an eyelid, or a combination thereof.