What is it?

What is it?

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an established treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer and some skin conditions that may turn into cancer if left untreated. It was noticed that PDT also has the added benefits of being a highly effective treatment for rejuvenating the skin and treating acne.

How it works: The treatment uses a strong light combined with a chemical that makes the normal or damaged skin cells sensitive to light. The chemical is attracted to cancer cells and it does not become active until it is exposed to a particular type of light. When the light is directed at the area of the cancer, the chemical is activated and the cancer cells are destroyed.

To prepare the skin for treatment a microdermabrasion is carried out before a cream containing the light sensitising chemical is applied to the area being treated. This cream contains 5 – aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) and following application that area of the skin will be covered for three hours to allow it to penetrate into the sun damaged sun cells.

The 5-ALA cream makes the skin very sensitive to light. Once it has been properly absorbed the activating light will be shone onto the treatment area for up to 45 minutes. This light will target only damaged cells, not the normal cells. These damaged cells are destroyed and will then be replaced by new, healthy cells.

For the treatment of acne, rosacea and sun-damaged skin a course of PDT is recommended. The sessions are usually 15 – 30 minutes long and there is no need to apply the light sensitising chemical in this case. The light takes down redness, inflammation and kills bacteria, resulting in a visible improvement in the tone and texture of the skin.

Recommended for: Non-melanoma skin cancer, acne,rosacea, sun-damaged skin.

Results: This is a highly effective and established treatment for treating some forms of skin cancer. It is also a successful treatment for clearing acne, red and inflamed skin and completely rejuvenating areas of sun-damage. The texture and tone of the treated area will be visibly improved.

How Often: for non-melanoma skin cancers this is a one-off treatment. For acne and skin rejuvenation a course is recommended.

Recovery Time: Following treatment the skin may be red for up to a week. The treated area must be covered and kept dry for 36 hours but after that it’s fine to shower as usual if the area is treated with care. The area may scab or peel a little bit this is rare. It’s important to use SPF50+ afterwards to protect against further sun damage.

PDT In the Press