Early and Late Onset Side Effects of Photodynamic Therapy (2024)

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Early and Late Onset Side Effects of Photodynamic Therapy (2024)

FAQs

What are the long-term side effects of photodynamic therapy? ›

Potential long-term side effects of PDT include:
  • Scarring (uncommon). There may be some scarring after PDT, but this is usually mild.
  • Colour change (uncommon). The skin may become darker or paler after PDT.
  • Treatment may not be effective, or the condition may come back again.

What is a drawback of photodynamic therapy? ›

Damage to normal cells is limited but photodynamic therapy can still cause burns, swelling, pain, and scarring in the treatment area. Other side effects may occur depending on the area that is treated, including: cough. trouble swallowing.

How long does it take to heal after photodynamic therapy? ›

How long does it take to recover from photodynamic therapy? It usually takes about two to six weeks to fully heal after PDT, depending on the area of your body that's being treated.

What are the disadvantages of PDT? ›

But PDT also has drawbacks. It can only treat areas where light can reach. That means it can only be used to treat cancer on or just under the skin, or in the linings of some organs. Also, it cannot be used in people with certain blood diseases.

What is the life expectancy of a patient on photodynamic therapy? ›

The life expectancy figure of patients with PDT is higher (60.7%) as compared to those who are not (22.9%). The patients have a tumour less than 1cm thick.

Can PDT damage your skin? ›

Pain and Local Skin Reactions (LSRs), including erythema, edema, desquamation, or pustulae, often in association with each other, are commonly observed in course of exposure to the light source and in the hours/days immediately after PDT.

What not to do after PDT? ›

Avoid sunlight and remain indoors. Photosensitivity to light usually lasts 36 hours but may be as long as 48 hours. Take warm, not hot, showers.

What is a severe reaction to PDT? ›

In such a reaction, you might experience: pain, redness and swelling for 2-3 days. small fluid-filled blisters or pustules (Note: this pus is not necessarily a sign that the skin is infected; it's a known reaction to the inflammation caused by PDT.

What is the success rate of photodynamic therapy? ›

What is the success rate of photodynamic therapy? Studies demonstrated a high response rate of 86.2% for treatment of intraepidermal squamous carcinoma (IEC) a form of superficial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and over 90% clearance of Solar (Actinic) Keratosis.

What are the issues with PDT? ›

Burning or stinging at the site of the photodynamic therapy treatment. This can be severe and may last 24-48 hours after your treatment. Redness and swelling of the treated area which may last up to 1 week. Scaling or crusting of the treated area which may last up to 4 weeks.

What does your face look like after photodynamic therapy? ›

What does the skin look like after treatment? The treated area of the skin is usually quite red and may appear to be flaking or peeling, as it would after a mild sunburn. The redness, and perhaps some of the flaking, can last for several days to a week or even two weeks. (After that, skin returns to normal.)

What are the risks of PDT? ›

Photosensitivity reactions

The most common side effect of PDT is sensitivity to bright lights and sunlight. These reactions caused by PDT light can show up on the skin where the drug is applied. They usually involve redness and a tingling or burning sensation.

What is the best treatment after PDT? ›

Recommended products. Applying petroleum ointment such as Vaseline, Bepanthen, Infadolan, or petroleum/paraffin-based paw paw ointment to the treated area can also provide relief. E45 cream and Allmedic post PDT lotion contain ingredients which can soothe the skin and accelerate healing.

What are the downsides of blue light therapy? ›

More commonly reported side effects include:
  • Burning or stinging at the site of the photodynamic therapy treatment. This can be severe and may last 24-48 hours after your treatment.
  • Redness and swelling of the treated area which may last up to 1 week.
  • Scaling or crusting of the treated area which may last up to 4 weeks.

Is photodynamic therapy worth it? ›

It's a very effective way to treat a broad area of sun damage,” says Sean Christensen, MD, PhD, a Yale Medicine dermatologist. Photodynamic therapy procedures can be performed in one visit, though some patients require more than one treatment. “There isn't any surgery involved—no needles, either,” Dr.

Who is the ideal patient for photodynamic therapy? ›

The best candidates for PDT may be those with lighter or fair skin with sun damage. You may not be a good candidate for photodynamic therapy if you have darker skin that tends to turn brown or discolor with certain light or laser treatments.

References

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