Photodynamic Therapy (cont.)
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How do I take care of my treatment area after photodynamic therapy?
It is
generally required to check with your doctor for their specific wound care
instructions before your procedure. Often, you will be asked to go home and stay
indoors for the rest of the day. Your physician will usually give you more
detailed instructions depending on the area and size of the procedure.
Many
physicians suggest you shower and wash the area immediately and as often as you
would like. Wound care may require gently washing the area with soap and water
or hydrogen peroxide two to three times a day and applying an over-the-counter antibiotic
ointment or a nonirritating moisturizer like Purpose, Cetaphil, or Aquaphor to
the area. Avoidance of harsh or abrasive cleansers is advised. Picking or
scrubbing the skin could cause in severe irritation or scarring.
Most patients are advised to try to avoid applying makeup or powder directly on
a fresh or open wound unless the surface is fully healed. A nonirritating
sunscreen such as zinc or titanium may be applied immediately after the
procedure before leaving the physician's office. Sunscreens are ideally also
applied twice a day after PDT. It is important to follow your own physician's
instructions for wound care.
Mild to
moderate redness and or swelling is not uncommon the first day or two after PDT
and can be lessened by application of an ice bag, ice cubes or chips in a small
Ziploc bag, or frozen peas in their bag. Applying cool packs or ice every five
to 15 minutes every hour for the first eight to 24 hours after your procedure may
be very soothing. Swelling may be more common for procedures around the eyes or
lips. Sleeping propped up on a few pillows or in a reclining chair may help
decrease swelling after treatment of the head and face area.
Your physician should be notified of any infections, cold-sore outbreaks,
extreme swelling, or other unexpected reactions. Rarely, a visit to the
physician's office may be necessary for severe swelling or infection. Oral
antibiotics, cortisone creams or tablets, or other medications may be required
for adverse reactions.
Your physician will need to know if pain is increasing after one to two days after
your procedure or if you are having fever or other concerning symptoms. In such
cases, you may need to be seen at the physician's office.
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