Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

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Specialist treatment for sun damage and selected skin cancers

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an advanced, non-surgical treatment used to treat sun-damaged skin, actinic keratoses (solar keratoses) and selected superficial skin cancers. It combines a light-sensitive medication with a specialised light source to selectively destroy abnormal skin cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy skin. PDT is widely used in dermatology because it can effectively treat visible lesions while also targeting early sun damage that may not yet be visible to the naked eye.

At Mermaid Beach Dermatology, PDT is performed under the supervision of Specialist Dermatologists and may be recommended as an alternative to surgery for selected patients.

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About Photodynamic Therapy

  • What conditions can PDT treat?

    PDT is most commonly used for:

    • Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)

    • Extensive sun-damaged skin (field cancerisation)

    • Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ)

    • Selected superficial basal cell carcinomas

    • Selected low-risk thin nodular basal cell carcinomas in appropriate locations

    In some circumstances, PDT may also assist with skin rejuvenation and acne management.

  • How does PDT work?

    PDT works through the interaction of three components:

    • A photosensitising medication

    • Oxygen within the skin

    • A specialised light source

    The photosensitising medicine is absorbed more readily by abnormal or damaged skin cells. When activated by light, a reaction occurs that produces oxygen-derived molecules which selectively destroy targeted cells while preserving most surrounding healthy tissue.

  • What happens during treatment?

    Treatment is usually performed in stages:

    • The affected area is assessed and prepared.

    • A photosensitising cream is applied to the treatment area.

    • The medication is left on the skin for a period of time to allow absorption.

    • The area is exposed to a specialised light source.

    • The activated medication destroys abnormal cells.

    • Healing occurs over the following days and weeks.

    Your dermatologist will advise whether a single treatment or multiple sessions are required depending on the condition being treated.

  • What are the benefits of PDT?

    PDT offers several advantages:

    • Non-surgical treatment

    • Excellent cosmetic outcomes

    • Minimal scarring

    • Ability to treat large areas of sun damage

    • Simultaneous treatment of visible and subclinical lesions

    • Reduced downtime compared with some surgical procedures

    • Improvement in overall skin texture and sun damage appearance

  • What are the side effects?

    Following treatment, it is common to experience:

    • Redness

    • Swelling

    • Tenderness

    • Burning or stinging sensations

    • Crusting or peeling

    These reactions are usually temporary and form part of the treatment response.

  • Why choose Mermaid Beach Dermatology?

    Our Specialist Dermatologists offer:

    • Comprehensive assessment of sun damage

    • Individualised treatment planning

    • Photodynamic therapy for appropriate lesions

    • Management of actinic keratoses and superficial skin cancers

    • Ongoing skin cancer surveillance

    • Evidence-based care using contemporary dermatology guidelines

    Our goal is to effectively treat sun damage while achieving the best possible cosmetic and clinical outcomes.

Contact Us

Call us on 07 5597 0016 or complete the form below