Photodynamic Therapy (cont.)
In this Article
Does PDT make me permanently more sensitive to light?
No, PDT causes a
temporary sensitivity to light, including natural sunlight and some indoor
lights. The light sensitivity resolves with time, depending on both the photosensitizer drug and dosage used.
Light avoidance is generally required after PDT. The duration depends
on the drug and dosage used. Intravenously given porfimer may make the body,
including the skin and eyes, sensitive to light for about six weeks after
treatment. Proper protection, including long sleeves and sunglasses, may be
required. Topically applied aminolevulinic acid or methyl aminolevulinate may cause skin sensitivity only on the treatment areas
for approximately 24-72 hours. These do not usually cause sensitivity on other
body parts other than where the drug was directly applied. Your physician will
need to discuss with you the required sun- and light-avoidance period required
after your particular treatment.
How is PDT used to treat the skin?
PDT using
Levulan and a proprietary blue light is
currently FDA approved for the treatment of skin precancers called actinic
keratosis (rough scaly spots generally on sun-exposed skin). PDT is also known
as "ALA/PDT treatment" or "Super Blue Light." It has been referred to as a
"super photo facial" when the photosensitizer is used with a machine called
intense pulsed light or IPL. These treatments may help remove sun-damaged
precancerous skin. Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation may also be
improved because of the positive effect of PDT. PDT also has been shown to help
decrease the appearance of pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating
some stubborn acne, rosacea, and improving the appearance of some small
superficial acne scars.
Although PDT's use in skin was first investigated in 1990s for actinic
keratosis, it was not as popular or widely used because of the required long
incubation times (usually 18-24 hours) and limited indications. Since
approximately 2001, PDT has become more widespread in use primarily because of
advances including shorter incubation times (30-60 minutes) and more
applications, including acne and cosmetic skin rejuvenation.
Next: What is a typical skin PDT session like? »
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