Considering the average everyday exposure, it is not always easy to protect your skin from the sun and other environmental effects. When the skin is damaged, it can bring both aesthetic threats and health concerns. In many cases, photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be a popular and promising treatment to restore your skin. Not only can this noninvasive light therapy rejuvenate the appearance (tone, texture and color) of your skin, but it can also be used to treat acne and suspicious lesions on your face and scalp, including those that have been diagnosed as skin cancer or precursors to skin cancer (actinic keratosis).

What is Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a procedure that can be broken down into three steps, including the topical application of a photosensitizer liquid or cream, a designated incubation period and the actual light activation.

In terms of treating skin cancer, PDT works by directly injuring or destroying targeted cells and tissues using activated oxygen molecules. Since sites of skin cancer and actinic keratosis do not have a normal skin barrier, the photosensitizing molecules can be absorbed there and then activated by light. The activated oxygen destroys any nearby abnormal tissues. The treated area may get red, scaly and crusty for up to 4 weeks before healing. If a lesion does not completely go away after treatment, PDT can be performed again.

Other Uses for PDT

Did you know that photodynamic therapy has been around since the 1900’s? However, it continues to evolve and advance in the use of modern dermatology. PDT is currently being used and investigated as a treatment for the following skin conditions:

• Acne
• Actinic keratoses on the face and scalp
• Basal cell carcinomas
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Mycosis fungoides
• Psoriasis
• Viral warts

Whether we are treating a medical dermatology condition or helping to rejuvenate your complexion after years of environmental damage, we invite you to discover the profound benefits of photodynamic therapy at Spectrum Dermatology.