Photo Dynamic Therapy
PhotoDynamic Therapy
Sun exposure plays havoc with your skin. Besides skin discoloration from hyper-pigmentation, enlarged
pores, collagen breakdown and spots, you may develop more serious conditions that can threaten your
well being. PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) has multiple applications.
Besides being effective for some of the results of sun damage mentioned above, it is an FDA approved
treatment for pre-cancerous Actinic Keratosis.
What are AKs’?
Actinic Keratosis (AK) is a common skin condition that can signal the early beginnings of skin cancer.
AK lesions develop as a result to prolonged exposure to the sun (ultraviolet radiation) over the years.
As time passes, untreated AK can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form
of skin cancer. Our providers can quickly and effectively treat your AKs with Photodynamic Therapy.
What do AKs look like?
AK lesions are caused by the overgrowth and thickening of the outermost layers of your skin, and can vary
in appearance. They can be flat or raised, flaky or scaly, look like red patches, crusts or sores. They range in
size from a few millimeters (the size of a pinhead) to 2 centimeters (about the size of a nickel).
Because all AK lesions can look different, it is a good idea to do a thorough skin check on a regular basis and
note any new changes or suspicious spots and schedule an office visit with our providers at Mooresville
Center. AKs are generally found on parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the
face and a balding scalp.
How does PDT get rid of AKs?
By using a special topical solution called Levulan that’s activated by light or laser, abnormal
cells are targeted and killed. Levulan is a "smart" solution. It is only absorbed by abnormal cells such as
those in pre-cancerous actinic keratosis, sun damaged skin and acne conditions. It is the selectivity of this
solution in targeting only the abnormal cells that allows such quick success in restoring your skin to a
healthy normal condition.
As opposed to “spot” treatments for removing AK’s, Photodynamic Therapy improves the entire area
treated creating one color, texture, and tone. In addition to treatment of AKs, PDT is often used for
improving skin tone and texture and also Resistant Acne.
Overall sun damage accumulates over the years and we are usually not aware of it (with the exception of an
obvious sunburn). It takes years for the damage caused by UV exposure to show up on our skin.
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Article about PhotoDynamic Therapy from the American Association of Dermatology |
Patient Education
