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Photodynamic therapy uses light and a light-activated drug to treat conditions like acne, psoriasis and skin cancer.
What is it?
The board-certified providers at Mountain State Dermatology can use Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to treat skin conditions such as acne, actinic keratosis, psoriasis, skin cancer and vitiligo. The therapy begins with your dermatologist applying a light-sensitive drug to the areas requiring treatment. We then hyper-target problematic areas with a specific wavelenght of light, activating the drug. With this approach, our team can deliver potent medication to very specific areas of your skin, minimizing exposure to surrounding tissue.
To see if PDT may be right for you, schedule an appointment with one of our providers in Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Elkins, Hurricane, Morgantown, Parkersburg, South Charleston and Wheeling, West Virginia; in Waynesburg and Uniontown, Pennsylvania and in Marietta, Ohio.
What to expect
During a PDT treatment, your skin will first undergo thorough cleansing before a photosensitizing agent is applied to the treatment area. Following a waiting period to allow the agent to be absorbed by targeted cells, the area is exposed to specific light wavelengths, activating the photosensitizer. This selective process destroys abnormal cells, like precancerous lesions or acne, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. Temporary redness, swelling, and sensitivity to light may occur after the procedure.
Depending on the condition being treated, multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.