Dr Frances Pitsilis - What is Photodynamic therapy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a revolutionary way to treat sun damaged skin, blemished aged skin as well as large areas of acne, permanently. By using this special non-invasive light technology, skin safety, skin rejuvenation and even a cure for acne can be achieved. In the right hands, the treatment is fast and relatively painless.


History of PDT
PDT has been used in medicine for over 30 years. It has been used for skin cancers mainly, as well as internal cancers. Of recent times, however, there has been an awakening to the concept that it can be used over a large area to prevent skin cancers, cure acne and rejuvenate the skin.


Who benefits from PDT?
Benefits include improvement of sun damaged and aged skin, even to the extent that it may prevent future skin cancer development. It reduces redness, large pores, fine lines, pigmentation and skin discolouration.

It can be used in transplant patients to help prevent skin cancers that they are prone to because of the immunosuppressant drugs they must take to prevent organ rejection.

As a result, it can be used on the face, neck and V-neck area. Now with new PDT technology, large areas of the back and chest can be cleared of acne.


How does PDT work?
A naturally occurring lotion called 5-ALA or m-ALA is applied to the affected area and it is then absorbed into abnormal or damaged skin cell over several hours. Then the patient returns to the clinic and  the skin is exposed to a special wavelength of light for a period of time. When exposed to this light, the damaged skin cells or acne glands are destroyed to reveal new, fresh, health skin cells.

This treatment can be used with certain types of skin cancers where the person cannot undergo surgery.


The secret to a good result with PDT?
Its best to prepare the skin carefully with specific skin care that helps normalize the skin. Then it will respond better to the treatment.


Downtime with PDT
Signs of redness, scabbing and peeling are sighs of a successful treatment with PDT -  more of this means a more successful treatment. Typically the skin will scale for several days but will not feel uncomfortable.


Cost benefits of PDT compared with other treatments.
PDT is an inexpensive treatment that compares favourably to other treatments that carry the same down time but are more painful and cost more. These other treatments include lasers used to burn off layers or sections of the skin.


Key points about PDT

• For what it achieves, there is minimal down time and side effects.
• Healing is usually rapid   
• It provides an excellent cosmetic result.
• Scarring has never been reported
• There is no systemic reaction
• The treatment is customized to an individuals needs
• It can be repeated as necessary
• It does not prevent the person from undergoing any other skin procedure.

Who does PDT?
Look for large, established cosmetic clinics that have an interest in skin safety. Some dermatologists perform PDT too.