How Does Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Work?
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) treatments rely on the use of a naturally occurring photosensitizing agent known as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). When applied topically to sun-damaged skin, concentrated ALA (Levulan) is selectively absorbed by rapidly growing cells such as cancers, pre-cancers, and sun spots. It is also rapidly absorbed by sebaceous glands and the acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes). Within these cells, ALA reacts with oxygen and becomes highly excitable when exposed to special wavelengths of light energy. In this excitable state, ALA destroys the unhealthy cells that make up certain skin cancers, pre-cancers (actinic keratoses), acne, and sebaceous hyperplasia. Sun damage, blotchy pigmentation, fine lines and acne scars are also dramatically improved by ALA/PDT treatments.
