PHOTO-DYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT)

Sun damage to your skin collects from the day you are born. At its worst, sun damage can result in skin cancer that requires surgery. For most people, sun damage is reflected in the fine lines, wrinkles and spots that accumulate as you age.

Photo-dynamic therapy or PDT is a treatment that specifically targets the damaged cells in your skin. It uses a combination of a special lotion applied to your skin and a low intensity light system that activates the medication, killing sun damaged cells and skin cancers.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

There are three parts to your PDT treatment: Apply the medication, allow the medication to react with your skin, and allow the skin to react with the light.

The medication is called 5-ALA, or 5- Alpha Levulenic Acid.

Some discomfort may be experienced during the light treatment. Higher levels of discomfort correlate to the degree of sun damage. Typically, discomfort fades quickly after the treatment – sometimes aspirin or paracetamol may be required.

AFTER TREATMENT

Your skin will feel like a sunburn. The degree of discomfort and redness can vary greatly. A greater reaction to treatment also usually indicates a more dramatic result.

For the first day, cool compresses will help limit discomfort. Moisturisers to hydrate and soothe the skin can be used as necessary. In some cases a second episode of treatment may be required some weeks later.