Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)


What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?

  • PDT is an in-office treatment used for:

  • Actinic Keratoses (AKs) – pre-cancers caused by sun damage that may turn into squamous cell carcinoma if untreated

  • Sun-damaged skin (“field treatment”)

  • How it works:

  • A medication called Ameluz® (aminolevulinic acid 10% gel) is applied to the skin.

  • This compound builds up in damaged, pre-cancerous cells.

  • When exposed to red light, a chemical reaction occurs that destroys the abnormal cells while sparing healthy skin.

  • One “round” of PDT = 2 treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart.

What to Expect During PDT

Stage 1 – Preparation
1. Skin is cleansed and degreased with alcohol or acetone.
2. The area is gently exfoliated (“sanded”) to help the medication absorb.
3. Ameluz gel is applied.

Stage 2 – Light Activation
1. A special red light is applied to the treated area.
2. Light treatment takes about 30-45 minutes.
3. About 3 hours later, you’ll wash your skin, then apply moisturizer and sunscreen.

Stage 3 – Recovery
- The treated skin reacts like a sunburn (redness, peeling, or crusting).
- Healing time: 1–3 weeks.

Aftercare & Safety Tips

  • Sun avoidance is critical. Keep the treated area covered and out of direct sunlight for 72 hours (3 days).

  • Expect: redness, swelling, stinging, crusting, peeling, and sometimes small blisters.

  • Most reactions resolve in 1–2 weeks. Rarely, pigment changes or scarring can occur.

  • Infection is rare, but let us know if you notice worsening pain, pus, or spreading redness.


⚠️ Call us if you develop: - Severe blistering, spreading redness, pus, or fever