Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) & Blue Light in Wellesley, MA

Photodynamic therapy can be a useful treatment option when actinic keratoses develop across an area of chronically sun-damaged skin. Rather than focusing only on individual visible spots, PDT can treat a broader field of abnormal skin.

Potential benefits include:

• Treats multiple actinic keratoses: PDT can address several lesions within the same treatment area during a single session.
• Targets a broader area of sun damage: Treatment can address clinically visible actinic keratoses as well as preventatively treat areas of abnormal skin or “pre-clinically” atypical cells..
• Provides a nonsurgical treatment option: PDT does not require surgical excision of each treated lesion.
• Can be used on commonly sun-exposed areas: Depending on the condition being treated, PDT may be appropriate for areas such as the face, scalp, neck, chest, or arms.
• Treats rather than simply conceals sun damaged skin: PDT is a medical treatment directed at abnormal cells associated with actinic keratoses and sun-damaged skin.
• Can be incorporated into ongoing skin care: Patients with recurrent actinic keratoses or a history of skin cancer may benefit from discussing PDT and other treatment options with their dermatologist as part of long-term skin surveillance and skin cancer prevention.

The benefits and expected response vary based on the extent of sun damage, number and characteristics of lesions, treatment area, and individual skin response. A dermatologic evaluation can determine whether photodynamic therapy is appropriate for you.

Photodynamic therapy may be appropriate for adults with multiple actinic keratoses or areas of sun-damaged skin, particularly when several lesions occur within the same treatment area.

You may be a candidate if you:

• Have multiple or recurring actinic keratoses
• Have sun damage across a broad area
• Have a history of skin cancer
• Want a nonsurgical treatment option for appropriate lesions
• Can follow post-treatment light protection instructions

Our board certified Dermatologists will evaluate your skin, medical history, and previous treatments to determine whether PDT is appropriate for you.

Photodynamic therapy uses a photosensitizing medication and a specific light source to target abnormal cells within sun-damaged skin. The treatment is performed in stages, allowing the medication to be absorbed before it is activated by light.

• Skin preparation: The treatment area is cleansed and prepared so the photosensitizing medication can be absorbed effectively.
• Photosensitizing medication: A light-sensitive medication called aminolevulinic acid is applied to the affected skin. It is absorbed preferentially by the more metabolically active pre-cancerous cells within the treatment area.
• Medication activation: The medication is allowed to absorb for about 1 hour. You are then positioned under the U-shaped device, often called the “Blue-U”, and exposed to the activating wavelength typically 410-420nm. This creates an inflammatory response targeted in the pre-cancerous cells.
• Healing: Following treatment, the treated skin will appear red and blotchy. This temporary inflammatory response takes about a week to resolve as your body heals and clears the pre-cancerous cells.
• Post Care: The treated skin continues to be sensitive to sun and light for 48 hours after treatment. For this reason, strict sun protection with clothing, hats, and sunscreen are needed during this time period post treatment even when you are indoors.

Because PDT can treat a defined field rather than only individual visible lesions, it can be useful for patients with multiple actinic keratoses or broader areas of sun damage. Our team of dermatologists at Premier Dermatology will determine the appropriate treatment protocol based on the individual needs of your skin.

After photodynamic therapy, the treated skin typically becomes red, swollen, and sensitive before peeling or crusting as it heals. These changes are part of the skin’s response to treatment and generally improve as recovery progresses within about 1 week.

As the skin heals, actinic keratoses and areas of sun-damaged skin become less apparent. There is improvement in the feel and appearance of the skin. The extent of the response varies depending on the amount of sun damage, treatment area, and individual healing process.

Because the skin can be especially sensitive to light after PDT, strict sun and light protection is an important part of recovery.Our dermatologists will provide specific aftercare instructions, including when to resume normal light exposure and how to care for the treated area.

PDT can be an effective treatment for actinic keratoses, but new lesions may develop with continued sun exposure. Ongoing sun protection and routine skin cancer screenings remain important after treatment.

The cost of photodynamic therapy varies based on the treatment area, extent of sun damage, number of areas treated, and the specific PDT protocol recommended. Although this technology can be used to improve the cosmetic appearance of your skin, it is considered a medical procedure when used to treat pre-cancers and is typically covered by insurance.

At Premier Dermatology our dermatologists are board-certified in dermatology, pediatric dermatology and mohs surgery. They are sought after experts in the Greater Boston area with more than 70 years of combined expertise in medical and procedural dermatology, giving them extensive experience evaluating a wide range of skin conditions and providing appropriate treatment for each patient according to their individual needs..

For patients with multiple actinic keratoses, broad areas of sun damage, or history of skin cancer our dermatologists will develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.Premier Dermatology’s Wellesley location provides access to PDT for patients from Wellesley, Boston, Weston, Newton, Needham, and surrounding communities.