Photodynamic therapy is a treatment method using photosensitizing drugs to increase the effectiveness of light-based skin treatment.
Especially for advanced acne patients who do not respond to other treatments or who have frequent recurrence problems despite using advanced acne medications. It stands out as an alternative treatment for moderate and severe acne problems who do not want to use acne medications.
Brief information about photodynamic therapy
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A study conducted on other treatments. It has been reported that 70% improvement is achieved with PDT in cases where the response is insufficient.
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It may take several sessions to see the benefits of photodynamic therapy for acne.
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People with severe acne problems are more positively affected by PDT than those with mild acne problems. Results tend to last for several months or longer.
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Photodynamic therapy is a relatively new treatment for acne and other skin conditions but has become increasingly popular.
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It is a treatment method that can be applied to the face, neck, back and chest areas that may have acne problems.
How does photodynamic therapy affect acne? Does it?
Photodynamic therapy requires three components:
A photosensitizer
Light source
Oxygen
The use of a photosensitizing product distinguishes PDT from other forms of phototherapy.
After applying the photosensitizer to the skin, a medical light source is focused on the skin to activate the sensitizing agent. This light source can be provided by blue light, red light or intense pulsed light. Light combined with the presence of photosensitizer and oxygen destroys bacteria in acneic tissue.
Photodynamic therapy also reduces the production capacity of the sebaceous glands in the skin. Is photodynamic therapy effective for acne?
PDT tends to be more effective on inflammatory rather than non-inflammatory acne. In other words, while the acne problem consisting of blackheads and whiteheads is not affected by photodynamic therapy, inflammation With pills, cystic acne problem is affected much more positively.
PDT for Acne
PDT is a treatment for the sebaceous glands under the skin that cause acne. reduces its activity.
Photodynamic therapy may provide benefits over other treatments.
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It kills bacteria that cause acne on the skin.
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It helps maintain the integrity of the skin by affecting only target cells.
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Reduces the size and activity of the sebaceous glands.
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It helps to reduce old acne scars.
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Reduces acne. It helps healing without leaving a scar
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It is effective in the treatment of other skin diseases that may occur with acne, such as Rosacea
What to expect before PDT treatment
PDT uses a photosensitizing drug applied to the skin to prepare the skin for the phototherapy process.
Photosensitizers are prescription drugs. Therefore, PDT treatment is performed by a dermatologist.
Before the treatment, the skin is cleaned and microdermabrasion is applied. In this way, black spots are reduced and it helps prepare the skin for the medicine to be applied by thinning the dead layer.
The photosensitizing substance is applied to the skin where the acne is located and is applied for 15-45 minutes depending on the severity of the complaint and the person's skin type. is kept waiting. This process allows sufficient time for the sensitizing agent to be absorbed into the skin cells and sebaceous glands.
What to expect during PDT treatment?
Next, 8-20 minutes A medical light source is applied to the problem area. In this way, the photosensitizing agent is activated.
During this stage of the process, some people may experience a stinging or burning sensation that varies in intensity.
What to expect after PDT treatment
strong>Skin may be sensitive after treatment. After the treatment, you should stay away from sunlight for 48 hours. This is because the photosensitizer makes the skin sensitive to sunlight, so there is a risk of severe burns from sun exposure.
Sun protection. EM does not provide adequate protection in the immediate post-treatment period. If necessary, a wide-brimmed hat and keeping the time spent outside short are recommended.
Using topical acne medications, make-up, and other skin products should be discussed with a dermatologist who follows the PDT. In particular, they may need to avoid products containing oils or waxes for a while.
Follow-up sessions
The number of treatments required depends on the person's skin type, the number of lesions they have, and the number of lesions they have. depends on the severity of the lesions.
Negative effects of photodynamic therapy
Some negative effects may occur following PDT, these are:
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Mild pain
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Skin peeling
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Skin redness
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Facial swelling (goes away in 48 hours)
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Itching
Long-term effects and risks
PDT is not applied to people with lopus, porphyria disease, and light hypersensitivity.
Rarely, there is a risk of developing allergy to the photosensitizing agent. In this case, treatment cannot be continued.
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