What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an exciting new technology for dermatologists. PDT is a combination treatment of topical medications along with a special light that together are used to treat a variety of skin diseases. A distinct advantage of Photodynamic Therapy is that the affected area can be treated and the surrounding normal skin is unaffected. A distinct advantage of Photodynamic Therapy is that the affected area can be treated and the surrounding normal skin is unaffected. Also, Photodynamic Therapy is safe for all skin types and color.
What Conditiona are Treated with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
The board-certified dermatologists at BAXT CosMedical® treat the following skin conditions with PDT:
- Acne
- Aging skin
- Sun damaged skin
- Actinic keratosis (pre-cancerous lesions)
- Skin cancers (certain types)**
Dr. Rebecca Baxt and Dr. Saida Baxt advise patients that multiple lesions can be simultaneously treated at each session. PDT treatments have been shown to prevent the development of new lesions.
**Photodynamic Therapy is an FDA approved treatment for precancerous lesions on the face.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an Effective Treatment for Acne
Dr. Rebecca Baxt and Dr. Saida Baxt have found Photodynamic Therapy to be an effective treatment of acne when used with a photosensitizing agent, such as Levulan®. This topical medication is carefully applied to the acne and allowed to settle into the skin. After a period of time, PDT or a laser is used on the affected areas. The light source activates the Levulan® resulting in the killing of the patient’s acne bacteria*. PDT also helps reduce the acne patients’ oil glands.
Patients are advised to avoid light for 48 hours after their PDT or laser treatment. Sunblock must be applied every 1-2 hours.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to Treat Precancerous Cells
As previously mentioned, PDT is approved by the FDA for the treatment of actinic keratosis, which is considered a precancerous lesion. When treating actinic keratosis with Levulan® and PDT or laser, the light source or laser activates the Levulan® which preferentially takes up the precancerous cells and the sebaceous glands.
Dr. Rebecca Baxt and Dr. Saida Baxt typically cover the entire area of the patient’s skin rather than just the individual spots or precancerous lesions. This is done as a precaution to also remove any spots that are very small and cannot be seen with the naked eye. This preventive treatment works to keep the tiny spots from growing and becoming cancerous.
*Results may vary and are not guaranteed.
Let our family treat your family, a legacy you can trust!
Rebecca Baxt, M.D., M.B.A, F.A.A.D.
Cosmetic And Medical Dermatology Office Located in Paramus, NJ (serving Bergen County, NJ communities)
