Can Photodynamic Therapy Be Used over Large Area of Body For Actinic Keratosis?

Question

I have actinic keratosis severly on my legs arms and chest and I am interested in PDT therapy. It is to the point where I want my whole body covered up because it is so ugly. I have used Efudex and was wondering if the pdt would be better since I have such a large area to cover. This would be the entire front of my legs, upper and lower and the calves of both legs, both arms and my chest. Please help. I cannot seem to find a doctor that does this procedure close to where I live.

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

The FDA has approved photodynamic therapy for actinic keratoses on the face and scalp.  Nevertheless, many dermatologists use it on off-label areas including neck, arms, or legs.  In areas with thicker skin, such as the extremities, the incubation time for the levulan needs to be lengthened.  Studies have shown that occlusion with saran wrap during the incubation period is helpful on areas of thicker skin.  Exfoliating the skin in advance of the treatment is another way to help the medication penetrate.

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

I commonly perform PDT to the entire body. I may break it up into different sessions, but studies have shown that the combination of one of the immunomodulators (like efudex, aldara, or carac) with PDT, works better than either treatment alone in providing AK clearance.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

PDT can be used on the face, neck, arms, legs, chest and really over any area with photodamage and AKs.  One might need a longer drug incubation on off-face areas but protocols exist by many doctors on how best to do this.

Anatoli Freiman, MD · Answer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be used for a large skin area, such as arms or legs.  We usually do one big area at a time & use Levulan & BBL combination.

Melanie D. Palm, MD · Answer

I often use PDT (photodynamic therapy) to treat off-face areas of the face such as the arms or legs.  Oftentimes, effective treatment requires longer incubation times of Levulan and possibly occlusion with plastic wrap.  To obtain superior results and photorejuvemation, I combine blue light with IPL to remove actinic keratoses, sun spots, and red pigmentation.

Can Photodynamic Therapy Be Used over Large Area of Body For Actinic Keratosis?

Answers (7)

Answer: Photodynamic therapy

Answer: Photodynamic therapy

Answer: Yes--PDT can be used for large areas of body

Answer: Yes--PDT can be used for large areas of body

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Everything you need to know about Photodynamic Therapy

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Can Photodynamic Therapy Be Used over Large Area of Body For Actinic Keratosis?

Answers (7)

Answer: Photodynamic therapy

Answer: Photodynamic therapy

Answer: Yes--PDT can be used for large areas of body

Answer: Yes--PDT can be used for large areas of body

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Photodynamic Therapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.