Photodynamic Light Therapy (PDT)
Prep & After Care
Below are easy to follow preperation and after care instructions for a PDT treatment. Please call us if you have a temperature higher than 100.4 °F (38 °C), unconctrollable pain, or blisters on the treated area.
The Day of Your PDT Treatment
- Don’t use creams, lotions, or makeup on the treatment area.
- Bring something to protect the treatment area from UV rays. If the treatment area is on your face, bring a wide-brimmed hat. If it isn’t on your face, wear clothing that covers the area.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
- Consider pre-medicating with ibuprofen unless contraindicated.
Before Your Treatment Please Tell the Doctor or Nurse if You
- Take any medications, supplements, or vitamins.
- Have or have ever had cold sores or shingles.
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- Have a condition that makes you more sensitive to light, including lupus or porphyria.
During Your Treatment
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A photosensitizing medication will be applied to the treatment area. It typically needs 60 to 90 minutes to be absorbed into the skin. You may want to bring a book, laptop, or other entertainment. Wi-Fi is available.
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After absorption, the area will be exposed to red light for about 10 to 20 minutes, which activates the medication and targets abnormal skin cells.
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During the light exposure, you may feel burning, stinging, or tingling in the treated area. This is normal and usually subsides shortly after the session.
After Your Treatment
Follow these steps to care for the treated area:
- After your treatment, apply a cool compress to the treated area several times a day during the first 24 hours to help reduce discomfort and swelling. Starting the day after treatment, gently cleanse the area with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel and avoid rubbing or scrubbing. Apply a thick, bland moisturizer such as Vaseline or a gentle emollient like Cetaphil to keep the skin moist. If crusting or scabs form, continue applying Vaseline and do not pick at the area.
- For 48 hours after treatment, it is very important to avoid exposing the treated area to bright light. This includes sunlight (even through car or window glass) and bright indoor lighting such as medical exam lights. Normal household lighting is acceptable. Plan to remain indoors while the sun is out. After 48 hours, you may gradually resume normal activities and light exposure.
For up to 7-10 days you may experience:
You may experience redness (often similar to a severe sunburn), swelling, peeling, crusting, or mild itching. Burning or stinging sensations from the treatment may last for up to 24 hours. For pain or discomfort, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used if you are able to take these medications safely.
Please follow up with us in one month. Photodynamic therapy typically results in significant improvement, often clearing a majority of treated lesions, although individual results may vary.
CALL OUR OFFICE IF YOU
- Have a temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.
- Have pain not controlled by Tylenol or ibuprofen.
- Develop blisters on the treated area.
- Have any questions or unexpected problems.