Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) uses a topical drug combined with light exposure to treat various skin issues. This treatment is most well-known for treating actinic keratosis (AK). AKs are precancerous skin lesions that occur after long-term chronic sun exposure. If AKs are left untreated, they can develop into skin cancers.
Photodynamic Therapy fuses blue light and a photosensitizer drug to kill the precancer cells in the skin, often in one session. The treatment can also remove some skin cancers.
Photodynamic Therapy can also help treat severe acne and rosacea. When used as an
acne treatment, patients will need 2-3 sessions with a 4-6 week gap for optimal results. It can also boost collagen production in the skin to improve wrinkles and help with anti-aging.
Each Photodynamic Therapy session requires two stages for a successful treatment. The first stage is the photosensitizer application, and the second is exposure to blue light. The licensed doctor will first cleanse the area with alcohol before applying the topical photosensitizer. The photosensitizer is left on the affected area for 1 to 3 hours to allow full penetration into the target cells. Once the incubation time is up, patients wear protective eyewear during exposure to the blue light for 15-20 minutes.
Patients may experience some burning and stinging sensations, which may be uncomfortable. After the treatment, the skin will be red and inflamed for the next 1-2 weeks.
Moisturizer can alleviate any itching, peeling, and roughness experienced after the treatment. Since PDT can cause hypersensitivity to light, patients must avoid direct sun exposure. They need to keep the skin protected by applying sunscreen. Professionals recommend using a gentle skincare routine and avoiding shaving or applying makeup until fully healed.
