What to Expect During Photodynamic Therapy for Skin Cancer Prevention?
When you arrive for your PDT session, a photosensitizing cream will be applied to the treatment area for a period of time prior to the blue or red light therapy. This is referred to as the “incubation period”. Following the incubation period, the light treatment (either blue or red) will begin. The length of incubation and treatment will be determined by your provider based on the area and extent of precancerous lesions. During the procedure, you may feel some warmth at the treatment site but should not feel pain or burning. This procedure is made painless with our new protocol for PDT at ReJUVA Dermatology.
Following PDT skin treatment, it is important to avoid the sun for the next 2 days as the treated area will be uncomfortable if exposed to the sun. The treated area may turn slightly red and light skin peeling may occur. This is considered an appropriate response to therapy as it removes the precancerous lesions. Multiple treatments may be required for the best results. Many patients also report an overall improvement in skin texture and discoloration after several PDT treatments.
Call us today at 941-529-0070 to schedule your consultation with one of our dermatology specialists to discuss our PDT and other preventive treatments.
