Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy can be highly effective for:

• Certain types of superficial basal cell carcinomas
• Bowen’s disease (a very early form of squamous cell carcinoma)
• Actinic keratosis

Although photodynamic therapy is often used for treating early-stage skin cancers and precancers, it’s also effective for non-cancerous conditions such as severe acne and sun damage.

At Bryn Mawr Skin & Cancer Institute, we provide photodynamic therapy with Levulan^®-a photosensitizer medication. Levulan^® (aminolevulinic acid 20%) is a naturally derived, FDA-approved treatment designed to target and clear away pre-cancerous skin lesions known as actinic keratoses. Once applied to the skin, Levulan^® is “activated” by a precise wavelength of light.

Levulan^® zeroes in on the cells that need treatment most. Pre-cancers (actinic keratoses) and early skin cancers divide more rapidly, making them absorb Levulan^® more readily through the Protoporphyrin IX pathway. This targeted photodynamic therapy approach helps destroy damaged cells while sparing healthy skin.

When the Blu-U light or Blue^™ light is illuminated for about thirty minutes, it reacts with these photosensitized cells, effectively destroying them while leaving the surrounding healthy skin unharmed. The result? Smoother, healthier-looking skin and renewed confidence in your complexion.

In some cases, patients may need multiple photodynamic therapy sessions to maximize results, depending on their condition and how they respond to treatment.

Skin cancer treatments often involve surgical removal of the cancerous cells, with traditional excisions or a specialized technique called Mohs surgery. We may recommend photodynamic therapy if surgery cannot be performed.

Once your treatment is complete, we’ll protect your freshly treated skin with a soothing layer of sunscreen—and if your face, neck, or scalp were treated, you’ll leave with a hat to shield the treated areas.

Keep in mind that everyone’s skin responds differently. Photodynamic therapy is usually well-tolerated, but patients may experience mild sunburn-like reactions, with side effects like redness, swelling, dryness and peeling. PDT temporarily increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and indoor light. Patients should avoid direct sunlight and limit their exposure to light given off by screens such as phones and tablets for forty-eight hours after treatment to prevent irritation or burning.

Those with significant sun damage may notice stronger reactions after photodynamic therapy, such as redness, swelling, peeling, or temporary acne-like breakouts. The peeling phase typically resolves within seven to fourteen days, while lingering redness can take a few weeks to fully fade as the skin recovers.

It’s important to follow all pre-and post-care instructions closely for optimal results from photodynamic therapy. Limiting sun exposure for three months following treatment will help to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation. Remember to continue protecting your skin with sunscreen and sun-protective clothing to limit new sun damage.

Our Bryn Mawr Skin & Cancer physicians provide expert diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), as well as rare skin cancers such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

In addition to comprehensive skin cancer evaluation and treatment, we offer expert diagnosis, care, and treatment for a full spectrum of dermatology conditions, including acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, skin infections, and rashes—supporting healthier, clearer skin at every stage.