Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a unique treatment that uses a light-activated compound (aminolevulinic acid HCL) to treat actinic keratoses. Actinic keratoses are areas of sun-damaged skin that if left untreated, could possibly develop into skin cancer. Aminolevulinic acid is a substance, which occurs naturally in the body, that is converted to a photo sensitizer (protoporphyrin IX).
Photodynamic therapy is typically well tolerated by patients. Side effects may include redness and peeling similar to a sunburn. You will usually see excellent clinical results after one treatment, but in some cases an additional treatment may be recommended.
