A recent article by Gold showed that after one year, photodynamic therapy led to a greater clearing of actinic keratoses than Efudex. It should be noted that this finding was applicable if the patient had two photodynamic treatments. Another recent study demonstrated that the use of Aldara (imiquimod) for one month before and a month after photodynamic therapy gave even more outstanding results.
The treatment can cause a sunburn-like reaction, sometimes even with oozing, but this problem is short-lived.
Insurance covers this treatment in most cases. If you do not have insurance, the Kerastick (containing the Levular) costs $135 and the treatment $115.
Incidentally, the improvement in photoaging is well documented, and though off-label, many physicians offer PDT for this reason.
