Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) - for sun damage and precancerous skin lesions

A light-sensitive medication is applied to the affected skin and allowed to be absorbed by the abnormal cells. The treated area is then exposed to a specialized light source that activates the medication, selectively destroying many of the damaged precancerous cells while minimizing injury to surrounding healthy tissue.

PDT can improve both the appearance and overall health of chronically sun-damaged skin.

Photodynamic therapy offers several important benefits:

• Treats multiple precancerous lesions during one treatment.
• Addresses sun-damaged skin that may contain early lesions not yet visible.
• May reduce the future development of some skin cancers.
• Produces little or no permanent scarring.
• Is performed entirely as an outpatient procedure.
• Can be repeated safely when appropriate.

Following treatment, the skin typically becomes red, swollen, and may feel warm or sunburned for several days. Peeling and crusting are common as damaged skin heals.

Because the medication temporarily increases light sensitivity, patients must carefully avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor light for approximately 48 hours after treatment. Sunscreen alone is not sufficient during this period, and protective clothing and hats are recommended whenever exposure cannot be avoided.

Most patients notice gradual improvement in both skin texture and appearance over the following several weeks.

Photodynamic therapy is an excellent treatment option for many patients with multiple actinic keratoses or extensive sun damage, but it is not appropriate for every skin cancer or every patient.

During your consultation, Dr. Branch will determine whether PDT, cryotherapy, topical medications, surgical excision, Mohs surgery, or another treatment offers the safest and most effective approach for your particular condition.

Our goal is not simply to treat today's visible lesions—it is to help preserve the long-term health of your skin while reducing your future risk of skin cancer.