Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a technique used to treat some types of skin cancer such as superficial basal cell carcinoma and areas of sun-damaged skin (precancerous) that might become cancerous in the future.

In PDT, a cream is first applied to the area to be treated, a special light or daylight then activates the cream. PDT is effective in most cases: it works by killing the abnormal cells in the affected skin area.

What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?

Photodynamic therapy involves the application of a light-sensitive (photosensitiser) cream to the affected area of your skin. The photosensitiser is activated when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. A chemical reaction takes place depriving the affected tissue of oxygen and this ultimately causes the destruction of abnormal skin cells. Over time the damaged tissue crusts and sheds along with the skin’s natural turnover cycle.

Conventional PDT can be used to treat actinic (solar) keratosis, basal cell carcinomas and Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in-situ). Actinic keratoses are dry scaly patches of skin that are caused by chronic sun exposure. The patches are considered pre-cancerous and while most do not go on to develop into skin cancer, treatment is generally advised. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two types of skin cancer that also most often develop as a result of long-term UV exposure.

Closeup of female patient undergoes red LED light or RLT therapy for skin rejuvenation at modern innovation aesthetic clinic. Woman client having non-invasive type of phototherapy. Beauty concept.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What can I expect on the day of treatment?

In total, your PDT treatment takes around 4 hours, although there will be an interval of 3 hours between application of the gel and the red-light illumination. You may be able to go out or even home between the two parts of the process, but your doctor or nurse will discuss that with you.

When you arrive at the hospital/clinic, one of the team will explain the procedure and ask for your consent to the treatment. The area to be treated will be cleaned with an alcohol wipe, then any remaining crusts/scales will be gently removed, and the area marked up. The gel will be applied to the area followed by 1 or 2 dressings to keep any light out.

As the gel is activated by light it is important to make sure that no light reaches the area too soon. It takes around 3 hours for the gel to take effect and the staff will inform you of what time you need return to the clinic for the light illumination.After the 3 hours the dressings will be removed, and any excess gel wiped off.

You will be asked to lie or sit in a comfortable position. The area will be illuminated by a lamp that shines a non-thermal red light. The lamp will be positioned about 6 cm from the lesion(s). You will be given special goggles to protect your eyes from the red light and the procedure takes around 10 minutes.

During that time, you may feel some tingling and discomfort. This is perfectly normal and is the gel reacting to destroy the damaged cells. The operator can cool the area with water or fan to help relieve these symptoms. Please avoid sun exposure on the treated lesion sites and surrounding skin for approximately 48 hours following treatment. This can be ensured by keeping the treated area covered with a dressing or an article of clothing (e.g. a hat).

In most cases, an appropriate dressing will be applied by the nurse/doctor and this must be kept in place for 48 hours.

The nurse/doctor will let you have some more detailed information on aftercare.

Experts you can trust

Helen Robertshaw South Face Skin Bournemouth

Photodynamic Therapy