Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a widely used and applied cosmetic procedure for the treatment of various different skin disorders like acne, eczema, rosacea etc. Though various medications already exist in the treatment of these conditions, photodynamic therapy is actually very effective.
Listed below are a few reasons why photodynamic therapy is among the most widely used therapies for different skin ailments.
Cosmetic Procedure For Treatment Of Rosacea
How It Works
This treatment makes use of a photosensitizing drug (a drug that gets activated on exposure to light) and a light source to activate that drug. It is also known as the blue light therapy.
This treatment is not just beneficial for people suffering for skin ailments, but also for those suffering from certain superficial cancers of the skin. The procedure involves three steps.
Step 1
The dermatologist will make use of a light sensitizing cream or liquid on the skin affected by rosacea. Sometimes, the photo sensitizer may even be administered into the body through the vein or in the form of a pill.The most common photosensitizing cream used for this therapy is amino levulinic acid. It is most commonly used because it is already present in the body and is required by the body to synthesize hemoglobin cells. It is among the most non toxic and natural photo sensitizers available for this treatment.
Step 2
The dermatologist may then call for an incubation period of a few minutes to some days. The incubation period is necessary for optimum activation of the photo sensitizer.
Step 3
Lastly, the target or the affected tissue is exposed to a particular wavelength of light, which activates the photo sensitizer.
Benefits For Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy destroys the sebaceous glands which cause excessive oil production, and which are often responsible for irritation and inflammation of the skin. Furthermore, it causes destruction of harmful bacteria that may be responsible for different skin diseases.Lastly, photodynamic therapy improves texture of the skin which has been affected by rosacea, enhances the skin tone and lightens complexion of the skin. It also reduces appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, giving the skin an overall healthy glow.
Post Treatment Care
After getting your treatment done, it is very important to follow the instructions of the dermatologist to ensure optimum results. Your dermatologist may recommend you to avoid going into sunlight or atleast avoid direct exposure to the sun for a few days. Also, it is advised to avoid using cosmetic products on your face.
Limitations Of Photodynamic Therapy
Though this therapy has many benefits including reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, sunburns, pigmentation, and has no scarring on the skin as opposed to other cosmetic procedures, there are certain limitations of this therapy.This therapy is effective only for skin conditions which can be treated superficially. The action of the photo sensitizer and the drug are limited only to 1cm area below the skin surface. This is why many deep seated skin ailments cannot be treated by use of this therapy.For tumors and deep seated infections, this therapy can prove to be futile.