Photodynamic Therapy Safe for Acne During Pregnancy?

Question

Since trying to conceive, I have been off my usual acne medications (birth control and oral minocycline). I am now 14 weeks pregnant. I have visited two dermatologists. Both are recommending PDT, but I cannot find any information online (I've checked pubmed, clinical practice guidelines, and many RCTs about PDT), that assures me that PDT is safe during pregnancy. Is it?

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

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.

Karen Beasley, MD · Answer

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!

Melda A. Isaac, MD · Answer

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.

Jason R. Lupton, MD · Answer

I would not recommend PDT with topical ALA (Levulan kerasticks) while pregnant. There are other laser options which may be used while pregnant including a combination of pulsed dye laser and diode laser to reduce redness, improve any scarring and reduce acne bacterial counts. I would of course discuss these options with both a dermatologist and your OBGYN prior to treatment. Good luck.

Jacqueline Calkin, MD · Answer

I would not recommend PDT which is a combination of a topical medication plus red or blue light to treat acne while you are pregnant. However, you can be treated with LED light alone - without the topical medication. If you alternate red and blue light and go twice weekly you may see nice results.

Photodynamic Therapy Safe for Acne During Pregnancy?

Answers (5)

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