A LASER clinic in Bolton is at the centre of a major breakthrough in the treatment of acne.

A pilot study carried out in London revealed a single dose of laser treatment can clear up to half an afflicted person's spots.

And the treatment is now available at just 25 private clinics around the country, including Laserase North West, which is based at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The trial was carried out by Dr Tony Chu, consultant dermatologist and chairman of the Acne Support Group who found that NLite laser, which was developed by scientists as a way of removing wrinkles, also had a remarkable effect on pimples.

"The results were stunning," said Dr Chu who has presented his findings to the Royal Society of Medicine.

"I was a complete sceptic but now I am converted."

Ten of the 41 patients with mild to moderate acne who took part in the trial were spot free within weeks.

But Dr Chu says more work and larger studies are now needed to confirm his findings.

Acne is the most common skin disease in the world affecting more than 90 per cent of adolescents.

It usually clears up on its own within a few years but for some it continues and around five pc of women and one pc of men still have the condition when they reach 40.

Acne is caused when a bacteria multiplies in a blocked hair follicle and causes inflammation.

It is sometimes treated with antibiotics or hormone treatment for some women but the new laser treatment destroys the bacteria causing the inflammation.

The treatment costs around £300 for a single facial session and the effects last for three months.

Acne can have serious effects on peoples lives, causing them to give up their jobs, stop socialising and even become suicidal" said Denise Leslie, of Laserase North West.

"This exciting new technique is providing hope for sufferers of a long-lasting solution to a growing problem."

For details of the treatment call 0800 38992020, or visit www.ckuk.co.uk