Photodynamic Therapy for Skin Cancer and Acne

Photodynamic therapy combines a medication that reacts to light with a special light source. Once the medication is activated, it helps destroy the targeted cells.

Your appointment usually starts with a skin evaluation. The treatment area is cleaned, and in some cases, the skin may be gently prepared so the medication can absorb more evenly.

Next, the light-sensitive medication is applied and left on the skin for a set amount of time. This waiting period allows the targeted cells to absorb the medication.

After that, a special light is used to activate the medication. Light exposure usually lasts several minutes. Some patients feel warmth, stinging, or burning during this part of treatment.

After treatment, your body gradually clears the treated cells and replaces them with healthier skin. Redness, peeling, crusting, or tenderness can happen during healing.

The number of treatments needed varies. Some patients need only one session while others benefit from a series of treatments spaced over time.

Photodynamic therapy is often used to treat actinic keratoses. These rough, scaly spots are caused by years of sun exposure and are considered precancerous because some can develop into squamous cell carcinoma over time.

One advantage of photodynamic therapy is that it can treat both visible spots and areas of sun damage that may not be easy to see yet. This can be helpful for sun-damaged skin on the face, scalp, ears, chest, or arms.

In carefully selected cases, photodynamic therapy may also be used for certain superficial skin cancers. Dr. Monjazeb will determine whether photodynamic therapy is appropriate based on the type, size, depth, and location of the skin cancer.

Photodynamic therapy may be an option for some patients with moderate to severe acne, especially when other treatments have not provided enough improvement.

Acne can develop when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Inflammation and overactive oil glands can also lead to pimples, cysts, and nodules.

Photodynamic therapy may help reduce oil gland activity, acne-causing bacteria, and inflammation. Because acne has more than one cause, your dermatologist may recommend photodynamic therapy as part of a broader acne treatment plan.

Some patients notice fewer acne breakouts after a series of treatments. Results vary based on acne severity, skin type, and the treatment plan recommended by your dermatologist.

Patients may choose photodynamic therapy because it can treat targeted skin concerns without surgery. For many people, the main benefits are that it is done in the office, does not require cutting the skin, and can treat visible spots as well as nearby areas of sun damage when appropriate.

Photodynamic therapy can be appealing because it treats targeted skin concerns without surgery, incisions, or stitches. It is performed in the office and can focus on abnormal or overactive cells while helping protect nearby healthy skin. When appropriate, it can also treat a broader area of sun damage in one visit. Some patients notice that their skin looks smoother or more even after the treated area has healed.

Like any treatment, photodynamic therapy can cause side effects. Most are expected, temporary, and part of the normal healing process.

You may notice redness, swelling, tenderness, peeling, crusting, warmth, stinging, or burning during the light treatment. Your skin may also be more sensitive to sunlight or bright indoor light for a short time, and some people notice temporary changes in skin color.

Less common risks can include blistering, infection, prolonged redness, or scarring. Dr. Monjazeb and his team will explain how to care for your skin after treatment and how long you should avoid strong light exposure.