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If I didn't peel, was the PDT a waste of time and money? I just see some red spots and it's been 9 days. (Photo)

donkyMay 30, 2015
9 days ago I had PDT on my lower legs. I am still not peeling, nor am I experiencing any other effects other than some red spots that are fading. The "scaly" areas or "barnacles" are not gone. So cosmetically, I see no difference. Did the treatment do anything at all? I am disappointed. My follow up with the derm PA is in one month.

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Dr. Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended
Specialist Dermatologist
Answered on Apr 19, 2016
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Lawrence Osman, MD

It doesn't sound like you need to worry.  Indirect exposure after PDT further enhances the reaction.  If the exposure is significant, it could really exacerbate your reaction.  However, it seems like your exposure was minimal.

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Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended

Yes PDT can help as the chemical ALA or Methyl ALA is concentrated in the oil or sebaceous glands. I normally use red light at 630nm compared to blue at 430 +nm as red light penetrates deeper. I usually do not encourage PDT as treatment for seb hyper, unless this is covered by insurance....

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Michael H. Gold, MD

Thanks for your question – and the answer is yes, based on the type of light source that is used. The conventional method of PDT in the US – with blue light – will have little effect on pigment in most. But if an IPL is used, either alone or with the blue light, then significant changes can b...

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