Dermatologists have used lasers and light-based devices to treat a variety of skin conditions for many years. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) represents a way to enhance the beneficial effects of some of these devices. With PDT, a photosensitizing chemical such as aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied to the skin prior to use of the laser or light-based device. ALA is picked up by rapidly dividing cells such as sebaceous (oil) glands and sun-damaged, precancerous cells. PDT is effective for acne, actinic (precancerous) keratoses, photodamaged (aged) skin, enlarged oil glands as well as other conditions.

In this office, the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machine or ClearLight device is usually used to provide the light source. Multiple treatments at different time intervals are scheduled depending upon the condition being treated. Retin A and similar topical creams (Renova, Retinol, Differin, Avita, Tazorac) should be discontinued several days prior to PDT. If the Intense Pulsed Light machine is being used to provide the light source, you must avoid the sun for at least one week prior to treatment. It is important to avoid sun exposure for two days following PDT because your skin will remain sensitive to sun for this period of time.