Photodynamic Therapy Safe for Acne During Pregnancy?

Thanks for your
question. While you are pregnant or breastfeeding, PDT is not a therapy that we
would recommend or perform on you. There is no data to suggest that it is not
safe, but there is no data to say that it is – so this, as with most cosmetic
treatments, are not done on pregnant women. You may not consider PDT as
cosmetic, but many do.



While you are
pregnant, there are very limited acne treatments that are definitely safe.
Consult with a board-certified dermatologist and see what is best for you. And
you can use one of the home blue light units – these are available over the
counter – and for that reason, should be safe at any time for use. One neat new
product – La Lumiere IlluMask – it is a relatively inexpensive mask for home
use with both blue and red light – you can buy it on line or at several
retailers in the US.

It is not advisable to undergo a photodynamic therapy treatment while you are pregnant. Although PDT is a very safe procedure, it is generally recommended that pregnant women wait until their pregnancy is over to undergo a treatment. Consult with your dermatologist after your pregnancy to determine which treatment would be best for you!

Photodynamic Therapy during pregnancy or breast feeding is not recommended given that the safety profile based upon clinical trials has not yet been clearly established. It is best to wait until after your pregnancy to determine whether PDT is a good treatment for you.