Photodynamic method in corrective dermatology

Abstract:

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is mainly used in the treatment of actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancers, including superficial basal cell carcinomas and Bowen’s disease. Due to a number of unique features including noninvasiveness, low cost, minimal side effects and high efficiency this method of treatment has become applicable in other areas of dermatology. Over the past few years there has been considerable interest in the application of PDT in corrective dermatology, primarily in the field of skin rejuvenation. The possibility of application of PDT as a monotherapy or a combination of these methods with other corrective methods led to the development of numerous protocols, allowing individual therapeutic approach for each patient. Other non-oncological skin conditions like acne, rosacea and scars are another potential indications where PDT could become a promising therapeutic option. It can therefore be assumed that the PDT will gain an even greater importance in the field of corrective dermatology in the nearest future.

Key words:
acne vulgaris; cicatrix; photorejuvenation; photodynamic therapy; rosacea