Version May 2024
| What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)? |
| PDT is a procedure for treating actinic keratoses, which are precancerous lesions that occur mostly in sun-exposed areas of the skin. A medicated solution or gel that makes you more sensitive to light will be applied to the affected area. Your dermatologist will inform you how long the medication needs to stay on your skin prior to light exposure. |
| What to expect during the treatment? |
| There may be a painful or stinging sensation during the treatment. The degree of discomfort can vary among individuals. You will wear protective goggles during the treatment to protect your eyes from the bright light. |
| What to expect after the treatment? |
| On the day of treatment, there may be mild to moderate redness on the treated area. One day later, you may develop more intense redness. This will remain for three to four days, along with a "stretchy" feeling and some mild peeling, similar to a healing sunburn reaction. Very rarely, one might get some tiny blisters on the treated area. You may be prescribed a soothing ointment that can be helpful during those first few days. All of these changes are expected to settle down in a week to ten days. |
| Can I shave before the treatment? |
| Facial hair can interfere with PDT, but please do not shave on the morning of your treatment. We do not recommend shaving the treated areas for several days afterwards. |
| Should I stop any medications prior to the treatment? |
| Retinoid-containing creams or gels and tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline or minocycline) should be stopped one to two weeks before the treatment because they can make your skin more sensitive to the light. Your dermatologist will review your medication list and determine whether you are on any other phototoxic medications that should be held temporarily. |
| Can PDT cause a flare of cold sores? |
| Occasionally, there might be a flare up of herpes simplex infection after PDT. If you have a history of herpes simplex "cold sores," let us know, and we can prescribe an oral antiviral medication for you to prevent this. |
| What precautions do I have to take after the treatment? |
| The most important precaution is that you must stay out of direct sunlight and strong commercial lighting for 48 hours after the treatment. You will be given an informational flyer once you finish the treatment, which contains detailed aftercare instructions. |
| When to follow-up with dermatology? |
| We recommend scheduling a clinic appointment with us at approximately three months after the treatment to assess how well your actinic keratoses have responded. |
| Is PDT safe? |
| PDT is generally very safe. It is one of the most popular noninvasive treatments for precancerous lesions. |
| Should I bring anything to my visit? |
| You should bring a broad-brim hat to protect your face and scalp from the sun or sun-protective clothing if we are treating other parts of your body. |
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