Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A Targeted Treatment for Skin Conditions
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive skin treatment that destroys unhealthy skin cells. Its popularity has grown in recent years because of its effectiveness in treating conditions such as superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and actinic keratoses — sun-damaged patches that may one day become cancerous. It is especially unintrusive, having limited side effects as it can produce targeted results with sparing of surrounding normal tissue; therefore, it is an option of choice for those desiring non-abrasive and gentle skin treatments.
What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an extremely focused skin treatment that entails applying a photosensitising substance to your skin and then shining special light onto the treated area. PDT has a wide application in dermatology and is especially useful in the management of precancerous and early cancerous lesions.
The treatment starts with the application of a photosensitising cream that is picked up by abnormal cells in your skin. The treated site is illuminated with either red light or daylight after a set time of incubation. This, in turn, causes the cream to be stimulated, setting off a process which eradicates the affected cells. Because PDT operates locally and does not damage nearby skin, it is particularly appropriate for treating visible sites such as the face and scalp.
How Does PDT Work?
PDT is a sequence of carefully controlled events, each of which is essential for successful PDT.
Here’s how it works:
Use of the Photosensitising Cream
- A cream that contains a light-activated medication (methyl aminolevulinate or aminolevulinic acid) is spread over the skin area being treated. Such cream is taken up only by abnormal and/or damaged cells.
Absorption Period
- The cream is applied to the skin for a duration of a few hours, usually 3-6 hours (varying depending on the treated area and the treated indication). In the meantime, the agent builds up in the abnormal cells.
Activation by Light
- Once absorbed, the area is treated with a particular light source, generally a red LED light or sometimes natural daylight. The drugs that photosensitise the aberrant cells are activated by this light.
Destruction of Abnormal Cells
- The light-activated agent generates a form of oxygen that kills the damaged cells without damaging the surrounding healthy skin. It works to decongest the affected area, leaving your skin looking the way it was meant to.
PDT is specific and can be used in sensitive or cosmetically concerned zones.
Conditions Treated by PDT
PDT can aid in the treatment of several prevalent and occasionally serious conditions:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) of the Skin:
This non-aggressive type of skin cancer is primarily caused by the sun and is slow-growing. PDT is an efficacious treatment for superficial types, particularly on the face, scalp, and neck.
Actinic Keratoses:
If treatment is not received, these crusty, scaly patches that develop on sun-exposed skin can occasionally develop into squamous cell carcinoma. The treatment of these lesions can be successfully removed by PDT without altering the surrounding healthy tissue.
Prevention of Skin Cancer:
PDT may confer cancer-protective benefits by eliminating pre-cancerous cells, thus acting in a preventive capacity in high-risk skin cancer patients.
Several other uses, such as combining PDT with laser therapy to treat severe acne, warts, and internal cancers, are also under study. It is still, however, most commonly used in dermatology for excisable lesions.
Advantages of PDT
Photodynamic Therapy has many advantages:
Non-Invasive Treatment:
Unlike surgery, PDT does not require cutting or stitching, so it is less terrifying and has a shorter recovery time.
Minimal Scarring:
Because it only acts on abnormal cells, PDT generally results in little or no scarring, which is a useful feature when treating cosmetically sensitive sites such as the face.
Treatment of More Than One Lesion:
PDT may treat larger fields or multiple lesions in a single treatment.
Outpatient Procedure:
The majority of PDT treatments can be performed in an outpatient clinic and do not require hospitalisation.
Excellent Cosmetic Results:
The skin may even become somewhat “rejuvenated” in the process, with a smoother texture and a more even tone, a significant benefit for aesthetically aware patients.
These advantages have made PDT an attractive option for individuals looking for efficacy without sacrificing cosmetic outcome.
Limitations and Side Effects
Although PDT works well for many patients, it’s not perfect:
Not Always One-and-Done:
Repeat sessions or supplementary treatments may be needed for some conditions, particularly if the lesion is thick or resistant.
Temporary Side Effects:
Patients may notice that the treatment area turns red and swells, stings, or peels for a few days following the procedure. In most cases, these symptoms are mild and tolerable.
Post-treatment Photosensitivity:
Following the procedure, the skin experiences a brief increase in light sensitivity. To prevent adverse effects, patients should be shielded from intense sunlight for at least 48 hours following exposure.
The so-called baby crews over the past year have all resulted from shoddy aftercare.
Strict adherence to aftercare instructions, which include sun protection, application of prescribed creams, and maintaining cleanliness, is important for the best results and minimisation of complications.
Knowing these elements enables patients to make the right decisions and be well-prepared for treatment and recovery.
When to Consult a Specialist
If you have rough patches that don’t go away, scaly lesions, or changes in your skin, make sure to see a board-certified dermatologist. Not all lesions are amenable to PDT, and a specialist assessment will help to characterise how profound and other of your skin disease is.
A full evaluation is conducted by a dermatologist team to ensure that PDT is suitable for your skin.
Conclusion
Photodynamic Therapy is a non-surgical procedure with minimal risk and maximum efficacy in the treatment of several cutaneous disorders, particularly those caused by sun damage and precancers. With proper diagnosis and expert application, PDT offers both therapeutic and aesthetic advantages.
Early discovery and medical diagnosis are critical to treatment. For personalised care and expert guidance, contact Chase Lodge Hospital today to schedule your online consultation.
