Photodynamic Therapy
This non-surgical, light-based treatment selectively destroys skin cancer and spares your healthy skin. It is also effective in the treatment of sunspots and certain types of acne.
Skin cancer affects half of the population in Australia at some point in their lifetime. This is largely due to our high exposure to sunlight and the harmful ultraviolet rays that it contains. The hot climate, coupled with our greater life expectancy, gives these dangerous rays more time to inflict damage.
PDT is effective for some of the less severe skin cancers and has a lower risk of scarring compared with surgery.
In the treatment of acne, non-UV light treatments like PDT are good alternatives for patients who either can't or won't use Isotretinoin due to its potential side effects. Light treatments are also a viable alternative for those whose acne hasn't responded to Isotretinoin.
They are perfect for those with long-term milder acne that is failing to respond to other remedies such as topical treatments. Light treatment is also ideal for those who demand a 'natural' treatment with a low incidence of adverse side effects.
Who is most at risk of skin cancer?
Skin cancers tend to arise after the age of 40 but are often not seen until people are in their 60s and 70s. Despite being more common among older people, skin cancer may arise at any age.
The procedure
PDT is not a complicated procedure and usually requires just a few treatments over the course of a few weeks.
The treatment consists of applying a special photosensitising cream to the skin cancer and, approximately 3-6 hours later, shining a pure red light (or green, yellow or blue light, depending on the specific treatment) upon the area to be treated. The light interacts with the cream and destroys the cancerous cells.
After treatment, a special dressing is applied to the area and you will be allowed to go home.
The healing process
Photodynamic therapy does not appear to harm normal skin so the cosmetic outcome following this treatment is usually very good. The procedure has been given a health and safety seal of approval by the regulation authorities.
Scabbing. After the dressing has been removed, a crust may form. Healing takes place beneath this crust, so it must be left to fall off on its own accord. After 24-36 hours you may wash, bathe or shower as normal. Do NOT rub the treated area, rather, gently dab it dry. Healing is rapid and the final quality of the healing and the eventual cosmetic result is very good.