In this Article

• What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)?
• What photosensitizer drugs are available?
• What light sources are available, and how are they applied?
• How does PDT work?
• Does PDT make me permanently more sensitive to light?
• How is PDT used to treat the skin?
• What is a typical skin PDT session like?
• How much improvement can I expect?
• Where can I have photodynamic therapy, and who performs the procedure?
• What are the advantages with photodynamic therapy for treating skin precancers?
• Am I a good candidate for photodynamic therapy?
• What growths is PDT not good for?
• What are possible complications of photodynamic therapy?
• Is there scarring from photodynamic therapy?
• What are alternatives for photodynamic therapy?
• What about insurance coverage and costs?
• What about other treatments options?
• How do I prepare for my procedure?
• How is recovery?
• Is there pain after PDT?
• How do I take care of my treatment area after photodynamic therapy?
• What is the chance that my precancers will recur?
• Photodynamic Therapy Index
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town

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.