If you are looking for a dermatology medical professional, Kallgren Dermatology is just what you’ve been looking for. We treat a wide variety of common skin disorders including acne, eczema, rosacea and skin allergies. We also perform skin cancer checks and treat skin cancer. We are staffed by highly-qualified doctors with impressive resumes.
One procedure we perform is photodynamic therapy. It has several medical uses that we will outline below.
When was it first used?
- There are records dating back to ancient Egypt using techniques that are quite similar to PDT.
- Its usefulness has been over 100 years.
- In the 1980’s its medical uses were studied and expanded upon.
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
- Photodynamic Therapy is sometimes called photo-chemotherapy.
- It uses nontoxic light-sensitive compounds that are exposed to light which turns them toxic and they destroy malignant cells. Can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Common Uses of Photodynamic Therapy
- Is used to treat psoriasis.
- It is also used to treat acne, rosacea, and skin cancer.
- Used to treat actinic keratosis, which is a pre-cancerous growth on the surface of the skin.
- It also has cosmetic uses including treating wrinkles and general rejuvenation.
Side Effects
- After a PTD treatment, a patient may experience sensitivity to light, both outdoor and indoor light.
- Side effects will depend on what chemical is used.
- The patient will need to wear appropriate clothes such as long sleeve sleeves.
- Sunglasses are also a recommendation.
It also has non-dermatological uses including the treatment of Wet Age-related Macular degeneration.
If you have a condition that can be treated with PDT, call 303.444.8100 for an appointment.
