Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) To Treat Photoaging (For Professionals)

Introduction

• PDT is commonly used in actininc keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Bowen’s disease and acne vulgaris.
• The study enrolled 30 patients (5men, 25women)
• Metvix (methy-aminolelulinic acid) (Galderma) was applied 3 hours under occlusion before light application Aktilite 37J/cm2 (Galderma).
• 90 days after the procedure: the patients were clinically evaluated, biopsies were done on the preauricular skin and a quality of life questionnaire filled by the patients

Results

• Mottled hyperpigmentation, fine wrinkles, toughness and facial solar elastosis demonstrated visible improvement.
• Deep wrinkles, telangiectasia, facial erythema and hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands showed less remarkable improvement.
• On histology slides: increased elastin and collagen were seen.
• Quality of life questionnaire:

1. 27 patients were satisfied with the improvement
2. 2 noted an improvement in the professional life
3. 18 noted improvement in the social life
4. 6 reported improvement in the emotional life
5. 3 reported improvement in the sexual life

Comment: PDT could be an option whenever there are malignant skin conditions in conjunction with photoaging.

Contributors:

Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland

Source of Information:  Caramel J et al. Photodynamic therapy with methylaminolevulinate (MAL) for the treatment of photoaging. 71st Annual Meeting of the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) – Miami, Florida, United States of America (USA)