Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a procedure used for treating pre-cancerous skin spots and superficial types of skin cancers. Like actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinomas.
What is PDT and how does it work?
PDT utilises photosensitising agents, oxygen and light to create a photochemical reaction that selectively destroys pre-cancerous cells. 5-ALA is a photosensitising agent that is administered onto the skin through topical application. The 5-ALA concentrates in the pre-cancerous cells and only becomes active when light of a certain wavelength (red light) is directed onto the area where the cancer is. The photodynamic reaction between the photosensitising agent, light and oxygen destroys the pre-cancerous cells.
Benefits
- Removal of existing sun damaged (pre-cancerous) skin and a reduced risk of developing established skin cancer
- Reduction in the number and size of existing simple skin cancers
- Less treatment time and number of applications compared to other topical treatments
- Multiple lesions can be treated at one time
- Fast recovery compared to other topical treatments
- Less interruption and faster return to work – life routine
- Reduces the need for surgical intervention
Prior to PDT
Urea is an emollient that is essential in the management of dry skin, the Urea cream is applied twice a day to the affected areas for a minimum of 1 - 2 weeks prior to your PDT appointment.
How to use Urea preparations
Apply to the affected areas twice a day.
Urea preparations are for external use only.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Do not use on broken (cracked or bleeding) skin or on any area that is infected or oozing, or where there is severe widespread reddening of the skin.
What are the side effects of urea preparations?
Urea preparations are usually well tolerated. Side effects that may occur include mild stinging, itching, a skin rash or redness. These usually do not require medical attention. If you are concerned contact the team at MySkin.
Urea cream is available for collection in the clinic
Urea cream is available from MySkin
Two weeks prior to treatment
- Apply Urea cream to affected area twice daily
- Stop taking any oral anti-inflammatories: Nurofen, Brufen, Voltaren please ask your Doctor if you have any concerns or questions
- Stop taking any oral supplements: Fish oils, vitamin C, antioxidants, Co-Q10
Day of treatment
- Do not wear moisturiser, makeup or sunscreen
- Men- please come clean shaven
- If treating scalp, please clip hair back to a NO:2
- Clothing – wear comfortable clothing, ease of unbuttoning or removing
- Photographs will be taken before and after your procedure
- Please bring a book to read, reading materials advisable
After your treatment
- You are required to stay indoors and to avoid sun light exposure for 48 hours post PDT treatment. This includes bright lights, travel in vehicles and exposure to computer screens
- Aftercare advise will be given by your technician on the day of your treatment
POST CARE ADVICE FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
At the end of the treatment, you may experience a sensation like sunburn, tightness, stinging, tingling and redness to the areas treated. The inflammation may increase over the next 24- 48 hours, this is normal.
If discomfort continues you can use Panadol at 4 hourly intervals.
For the next 48 hours you will be light sensitive (photosensitive). It is important that during this time you avoid sun exposure, bright lights and indirect light through windows. It is recommended that you close curtains in your house and avoid travel in vehicles.
It is important that you use the provided sunscreen to protect your skin post treatment, and wear protective clothing, such as hat.
You will need to regularly apply the bepanthen cream to the treated areas (approximately 5 times a day) This helps reduce the risk of any infection and helps maintain the skins moisture while it heals. It will help with any heat and discomfort also.
It is important that you only apply bepanthen and sunscreen to the treated areas up to 2 weeks.
Ladies avoid wearing makeup up to 2 weeks
Men avoid wet shaving up to 2 weeks, electric shave only
You can resume taking your oral supplements and anti-inflammatory medication after 48 hours post treatment.
If you have any queries post treatment, please call the MySkin Ltd on (06) 8703773, Monday to Friday 8.30 to 3:00pm.
