Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
A non-surgical, light-activated treatment for sun-damaged skin, actinic keratoses and certain superficial skin cancers.
What is photodynamic therapy?
Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is a treatment that combines a light-sensitising cream with a specific type of light to destroy abnormal skin cells. It is used for actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous sun damage), Bowen's disease and superficial basal cell carcinomas, and is a well-established alternative to surgery or repeated freezing for suitable lesions.
Because the treatment targets the abnormal cells and largely spares the healthy skin around them, it can treat a whole sun-damaged area at once and usually heals with a very good cosmetic result. It is carried out in clinic under the care of our consultant dermatologists.
How does PDT work?
A photosensitising cream is applied to the affected area and left in place for a period of time, usually a few hours. During this time it is absorbed preferentially by the abnormal, sun-damaged or cancerous cells, making them sensitive to light.
You then return for the doctor or nurse to shine a particular type of red light onto the treatment area, which activates the cream and destroys the targeted cells while leaving the surrounding healthy skin largely unaffected. For some patients with actinic keratoses, daylight PDT is an option, where natural daylight activates the cream instead of a clinic lamp, which is generally more comfortable.
How should I prepare for treatment?
Very little preparation is needed. Come with the area clean and free of make-up, moisturiser or sunscreen. Some lesions may need light preparation, such as removing crusts, on the day. Allow several hours for the appointment, as there is a waiting period between applying the cream and the light treatment. Your consultant will explain exactly what to expect beforehand.
What can I expect after the treatment?
The treated skin will be red, tender and often swollen for a few days, and may crust or peel over the following week or two, much like a sunburn, before healing. It is important to keep the area protected from strong light and sunshine for the first 48 hours, as it remains light-sensitive. We will give you clear aftercare instructions, and the area usually settles fully within two to four weeks.
What conditions do you treat with PDT?
Actinic keratoses: rough, scaly patches caused by long-term sun damage, especially where there are many of them across an area such as the scalp, face or hands.
Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ): a very early, superficial form of skin cancer confined to the top layer of the skin.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma: thin, surface-level basal cell skin cancers, where PDT can avoid the need for surgery.
Field sun damage: treating a whole sun-damaged area in one go, rather than lesion by lesion, which can also help prevent new lesions developing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people feel a stinging, burning or prickling sensation in the treated area while the light is applied, and it can be quite uncomfortable for some. It settles once the light session ends. Your consultant will talk you through ways to keep it as comfortable as possible, and daylight PDT is generally much gentler than clinic red-light PDT.
It depends on what is being treated. Actinic keratoses often need one or two sessions, while superficial skin cancers such as Bowen's disease or superficial basal cell carcinoma are usually treated with two sessions about a week apart. Your consultant will confirm the plan for your skin at your consultation.
The treated area will usually be red, swollen and sometimes crusted or peeling for a week or two, similar to a sunburn, before healing. Because the treatment targets abnormal cells and spares surrounding healthy skin, the cosmetic result is generally very good, which is one of the main reasons PDT is chosen over surgery for suitable lesions.
PDT for a diagnosed medical condition, such as actinic keratoses or a superficial skin cancer, is often covered by private medical insurance, but cover varies between insurers and policies. We would always advise checking with your insurer before treatment. Self-pay fees are confirmed before anything goes ahead.
You can book an appointment by calling us directly on 01273 077222 or using the booking button on this page.
Book a PDT consultation
You will see a consultant dermatologist from your first appointment. No GP referral is needed.
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