What to Know About Photodynamic Therapy and Levulan

What to Know About Photodynamic Therapy and Levulan
What to Know About Photodynamic Therapy and Levulan

If you have such severe damage that you may have precancerous cells or actinic keratosis, photodynamic therapy (PDT) would be a good choice.

Since “photo” means light and “dynamic” means action, photodynamic therapy is the use of light or laser energy to act against skin disease, in this case sun damage, precancerous cells (actinic keratosis), acne, and inflammatory rosacea.

Your affected skin must first be coated with a prescription solution called Levulan, which makes the target cells or glands more sensitive to light. The combination of Levulan and light not only treats the diseased skin cells or glands, it also makes your skin more healthy, smooth, and clear, possibly even prevent skin cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photodynamic Therapy

How do I know if I need PDT?

PDT may be right for you if you have sun-damaged skin, actinic keratosis, acne, inflammatory rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, or other less common skin diseases. You must also understand the benefits and limitations of this treatment.

Pregnant women or patients taking Accutane during the previous six months are not eligible for PDT.

How does PDT work?

Photodynamic therapy uses light or laser energy to act against skin disease, sun damage, precancerous cells (actinic keratosis), acne, and inflammatory rosacea. PDT is not painful, you may feel slight discomfort during treatment; it feels like a rubber band snapping on your skin.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

Yes. PDT may be combined with traditional Photorejuvenation, chemical peels, and other therapies. The choice of combinations depends on the skin condition being treated. It also may be combined with tissue tightening treatments or injectable fillers and toxins.

Can PDT be used to treat acne?

Yes, hidradenitis suppurativa, a severe form of acne, requires monthly treatments until the condition is under control. Maintenance treatments are then recommended.

Read more: What to Know About Photodynamic Therapy and Levulan

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