Dermatology Consulting

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01892 517 620

PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

Photodynamic therapy is a new and exciting technique that uses the effects of light reacting in the presence of oxygen with a photosensitising cream to selectively destroy abnormal skin cells.  It has proven to be a very useful technique in dealing with thin skin cancers and pre-cancerous changes, and also has the advantage of giving an excellent cosmetic result.  It is now also being adapted for use in acne, sun damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

How is photodynamic therapy performed?
A special photosensitising cream is applied to the area to be treated. It is left on for a period of time ranging from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on what is being treated. During this time it is important to protect the skin from excessive exposure to light, particularly strong sunlight.  Following this, a selected light, either red or blue light from a light emitting diode (LED), is shone on to the skin for between 8 and 20 minutes. Usually this is not uncomfortable, but when used to treat skin cancers it can be uncomfortable for the duration of the treatment and an air cooler and/or pain relief tablets can counteract this.  Sometimes, when being used as a cosmetic treatment, lasers are used as the light source instead. Following the light or laser treatment the skin needs to be protected from sunlight for 24 to 48 hours until the photosensitising cream becomes inactive, as over exposure to sunlight can cause sunburn-like rashes.  

Following treatment the skin may be red, swollen, crusted and flaky for a few days, then heals leaving smooth skin. The advantage of this treatment is that is usually produces an excellent cosmetic result and so is also now being developed as a cosmetic treatment ('photodynamic photorejuvenation' or 'activated photofacial').