Is Photodynamic Therapy a Good Acne and Rosacea Treatment?

Question

I have tried a few treatments for my acne and rosacea but nothing has worked very well so far and someone in an acne chatroom I go to suggested I try photodynamic therapy with amnio...something acid.   First of all, what the -bleep- is it?  I've heard of Photodynamic therapy but not the acid treatment.  Also, has this been known to be a good treatment for acne and/or rosacea? Thanks,

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY ( known as PDT) is an excellent for the treatment of acne and acne scarring. The treatment begins with the application of a photosensitive serum to the area to be treated  ( face, neck or decollate) .  Specific wavelengths of light then activate the serum , which in turn kill acne bacteria while  another spectrum of laser light reduces the redness  and inflammation and results in skin rejuvenation.On the other hand, this is not a recommended treatment for Rosacea .  Broadband light alone ( without the photosensitizing serum) is the best remedy to reduce broken capillaries and the redness of Rosacea.

William Ting, MD · Answer

While there is nothing that works better than Accutane, a series of PDT under the supervision of an experienced board-certified dermatologist can be a close second when combined with conventional therapies, e.g. oral/topical antibiotics, hormonal medication, topical acne creams. Photodynamic therapy otherwise known as PDT utilizes Levulan (levulinic acid, a naturally occurring breakdown compound of hemoglobin, part of red blood cells) and Blue light (~410nm wavelength). The effect of Blue light on acne is quite modest but gets potentiated substantially when preceded by application of Levulan. PDT involves 2 protocols, i.e. incubation time (duration of Levulan left on the skin) and exposure time (duration patient spends in front of a Blue light source). An experienced clinician can expertly manipulate PDT protocols to maximize clinical benefits while minimizing downtime. Staying away from bright light sources, e.g. sunlight, bright indoor lighting, computer screen, would be advisable for the first 48 hours. It is thought that PDT makes acne prone skin better by helping to shrink oil glands, minimizing colonies of bacteria responsible for acne and thereby making conventional acne therapy work even better.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Photodynamic therapy uses a medication called Levulan (aminolevulinic acid) and a light source such as red or blue light to activate the medication.  Activation of the medication with intense pulsed light or pulsed dye laser treats the redness and veins of rosacea as well as acne.  You should be assessed and treated by a board certified dermatologist.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

PDT for acne is great &ndash; it works really well and seems to have lasting effects in many.  It can also help with rosacea, and depending on the light source used, can also help with the redness.

Michael H. Swann, MD · Answer

PDT works very well for acne.  Alternating red and blue light for a series of 8 treatments over 4 weeks is effective even without Levulan.  Topical retinoids and salicylic acid can be helpful in conjunction with this regimen.  A series of 8 treatments over 4 weeks tends to cost between $500-800.  Best results are achieves several weeks after the series of treatments.

Is Photodynamic Therapy a Good Acne and Rosacea Treatment?

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Answer: PDT for acne and rosacea

Answer: PDT for acne and rosacea

Answer: Photodynamtic therapy for acne

Answer: Photodynamtic therapy for acne

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Is Photodynamic Therapy a Good Acne and Rosacea Treatment?

Answers (10)

Answer: PDT for acne and rosacea

Answer: PDT for acne and rosacea

Answer: Photodynamtic therapy for acne

Answer: Photodynamtic therapy for acne

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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.