Actinic keratoses and white skin cancer

Photodynamic therapy – daylight in the practice

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a method for the treatment of white treatment of white skin cancer or its precursors, the so-called actinic keratoses actinic keratoses – without surgery.
Actinic keratoses are scaly, rough, reddish or even skin colored skin lesions. They represent a preliminary stage of white skin cancer.
They are caused by too frequent and intensive sun exposure. UV-radiation penetrates the skin and can lead to changes in the genetic material.
That is why actinic keratoses occur especially in areas that are intensively exposed to the sun.
exposed to the sun, on the so-called sun terraces – like the head (especially hairless or bald areas), the face, the backs of the hands, the forearms and the as well as the décolleté and also the neck.
In the early stages, actinic keratoses are difficult to recognize with the eye, but they can be felt due to their rough texture. With the help of daylight PDT, actinic keratoses can be treated very well and, above all, gently.
treated.
Through the combination of a light activating cream, a so called and the light source, the diseased skin cells can be targeted. skin cells can be targeted.
The photosensitizer is applied to the affected areas of the patient’s skin.
areas of skin. Due to certain properties, it accumulates in the damaged cells, and after a certain waiting period the area to be treated is exposed to light from a special treated area is exposed to light of a specific wavelength. Through the chemical processes, the cell changes are damaged in a targeted manner.
damaged. In this way, malignant changes can be eliminated in a gentle and painlessly. In order to promote the success of controlled daylight PDT, the areas are the areas are treated in advance with a fractionated laser treatment.
treated. The laser ensures that the skin is “roughened” and can absorb the active ingredient the active ingredient of the cream and the light rays. This is referred to as a “Fraxel daylight PDT”.
Sometimes, due to very pronounced findings, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment for optimal results.
After daylight PDT, the patient should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
The daily use of a sunscreen with a high
factor (SPF 50+) is therefore recommended.
Controlled daylight PDT is usually gentle and painless.
Due to the intense light exposure, a slight to moderate stinging sensation may occur temporarily.
moderate stinging sensation. In the course of the procedure, a
reddening with crusts, which dissolve within 7 to 14 days.
In recent years, therapy with the daylight lamp has proven to be a
as a less painful alternative to conventional photodynamic therapy.
established.

Brief information on daylight PDT
Treatment: minimally invasive, outpatient
Duration: about 2 to 2.5 hours in total
Anesthesia: none
Downtime: 1 week
Important: pay attention to sun protection
Risks: inflammatory reactions, crust formation, redness
Treatment: outpatient in the practice
Duration: about 2 to 2.5 hours in total
Anesthesia: none
Downtime: approx. 7-14 days, as reddening and crusting are to be expected.
must be expected