Photodynamic therapy, approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of actinic keratoses, is now proving numerous other benefits for various skin conditions. The non-invasive light therapy procedure not only appears to help mild to severe skin cancers from progressing, but also has substantial cosmetic benefits for those suffering from sun damage, acne and other problems.
Doctors initially used the treatment for cases of non-melanoma skin cancer before discovering the wide range of benefits possible with photodynamic therapy. The non-invasive procedure is conducted by using a laser light energy to stimulate aminolerulinic acid (ALA) that is applied to the skin. Light energy causes the ALA to act as a photosensitizing agent, allowing a particular area of skin to be treated without harming the surrounding areas. The treatment is considered non-invasive and requires minimal downtime for the patient.
Dermatologist Arielle Kauvar of New York University School of Medicine commented, “As we used photodynamic therapy to treat actinic keratoses, dermatologists discovered a variety of cosmetic benefits. Over the years, the uses of photodynamic therapy have expanded beyond the treatment of skin cancer and today it is being used to treat acne-related disorders and to help rejuvenate sun-damaged or aging skin.”
Following the promising benefits of photodynamic therapy for non-melanoma cancer, doctors have begun experimenting with the treatment for superficial basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Because ALA is effective at treating growing and malignant cells, results thus far have been promising, according to Dr. Kauvar. “Research is beginning to show that PDT may even protect against the development of squamous cell carcinomas,” adds Kauvar.
Photodynamic therapy is not only beneficial for cancer patients, but has also shown significant evidence of cosmetic benefits. Doctors began to notice significant skin improvement when treating patients for sun damage with PDT. The most common benefits found with photodynamic therapy were a reduction in sunspots and freckles, decreased redness, and a diminution of wrinkles and fine lines.
“Sun damage is one of the most common conditions treated by dermatologists. Photodynamic therapy allows dermatologists to directly treat sun-damaged areas and improve the skin’s cosmetic appearance, without damaging surrounding skin,” commented Dr. Kauvar.
Lastly, photodynamic therapy has shown to be an effective treatment for acne. Over 80 percent of Americans will suffer from acne at one point in their lives. PDT is successful at targeting the three main causes of acne, which are: blockage of hair follicles, bacteria growth, and the overproduction of oil by enlarged glands. Activated ALA destroys oil glands and reduces the bacteria produced by the skin, helping alleviate and sometimes even end the symptoms of acne. PDT is also helpful in reducing acne scaring by promoting collagen formation.
“Topical ALA-PDT is able to effectively treat affected areas of the skin without damaging the surrounding skin and without the side effects of other treatments for precancerous growths and sun damage. It also leaves the patient with excellent cosmetic results in very little recovery time,” Dr. Kauvar commented.
To learn more about the benefits of photodynamic therapy, you may wish to consult a board certified plastic surgeon or a trusted healthcare provider.