Photodynamic therapy, also known as PDT, is one of the most versatile, effective treatments available from your dermatologist.
How Photodynamic Therapy Works
Photodynamic therapy uses a naturally occurring photosensitizing medication that enhances the effects of light on your skin cells. For precancers, the medication is often applied topically. Your dermatologist will then use light to destroy the skin cells which have absorbed the medication.
Conditions Which Can Be Treated Using Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment to help with:
- Acne
- Actinic keratosis
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Sun damage
- Precancerous cells
The Benefits of Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy offers many important benefits when compared to other treatment methods. Consider that photodynamic therapy is:
- More comfortable, because it uses only medications and light, with no freezing, incisions or sutures
- More conservative, because only damaged cells are destroyed, not healthy cells
- Quick, because your skin begins to heal immediately after treatment
- Convenient, because photodynamic therapy requires minimal to no downtime, so you can get back to your day
What You Can Expect During Photodynamic Therapy
Your dermatologist at Ocala Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center will develop a customized treatment plan to treat your skin condition. Photodynamic therapy sessions will be scheduled about a week apart. Each photodynamic therapy treatment will take a few hours. After your treatment, your skin will be extremely light-sensitive. You need to try to avoid being in the sun for 40 hours and wear sunscreen with a high SPF. Wearing sun-protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses is also helpful.
To find out more about photodynamic therapy or PDT, talk with the experts. Call the dermatologists at Ocala Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. You can reach them in Ocala, FL, by calling (352) 237-2322, or in Summerfield, FL, by calling (352) 347-4500, so call now
