Photodynamic Therapy (Red Light and Blue Light Therapy)
Explore photodynamic therapy, a treatment for acne, sun damage, and precancerous cells. Learn about the procedure, benefits, and recovery for healthier skin.
This is one of the best Dermatologist buildings around here in Troy. I don't have to travel very far and the staff as well as the doctors are the most considerate and very polite. I would recommend any one to go here if they have any problems with their body according to cancer or any other problems with their body. They get you in and out as soon as they can! I just can't say enough of how proud I am that I decided to go to them.
Response from the owner:Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
This office is wonderful! Dermatologists are notoriously difficult to get in to timely, St. Louis Dermatology in Troy is so easy to get an appointment at (the “longest” I’ve waited is a week for a non-urgent appointment). Kayleigh is an excellent provider, remembers your previous visits and concerns, and doesn’t rush through the appointments. The in office procedures they offer as well are very convenient and often saves you on your out of pocket costs with insurance when the in office procedures are billed with your office visit. So grateful to have such a great local derm!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for leaving us a stellar review!
Everyone was super nice and kind in the office! I will definitely keep coming here! Very easy to get an appointment compared to any other dermatologist office i was trying to get into, they were scheduling for the same week here!
Response from the owner:Your feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you for the review!
What to Expect During PDT Treatment
We use the Painless PDT Protocol developed by the Cleveland Clinic.
If you have a history of cold sores, please tell your provider. Blue or red light may reactivate cold sores. Your healthcare provider’s antiviral medication can help prevent or treat this condition.
At the beginning of the procedure, a topical medication is applied to the skin.
The medication is activated by exposure to a specific wavelength of Red or Blue light for 10 to 30 minutes.
Most people return to work within one to two days after the procedure. You should expect redness and skin peeling for 4-14 days after treatment.
After your treatment, you must avoid direct sunlight for two days. When outdoors, wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, and seek shade. While you can run everyday errands, avoid prolonged periods outside, as the medication can be activated by sunlight, potentially causing a more severe reaction.
Patients may require multiple PDT sessions to achieve optimal results. This is more common in cases of severe sun damage and increased precancerous growths. Sessions are typically spaced two to five weeks apart and can be continued after the initial treatment to help maintain the results.
What are the Side Effects of Photodynamic Therapy?
PDT is a generally safe procedure, but there are certain risks and side effects associated with it. Some of these risks and side effects include redness, discoloration, and infection. These side effects are usually mild and typically resolve within a few weeks. Other side effects include the reactivation of the herpes simplex virus (the virus that causes cold sores). If you have cold sores or a history of HSV infection, please inform your provider, as they may prescribe an antiviral medication.
Photodynamic therapy is a three-step treatment for precancerous growths. A photosensitizing agent is applied to the treatment area, and a light source activates it. The resulting activation kills precancerous cells that absorb the medication. The treatment area then heals over the next 4-14 days. PDT treatment is most commonly used to remove abnormal cells that cause actinic keratosis, a pre-cancerous condition, and other precancerous skin growths.
