What are possible complications of photodynamic therapy?
Overall, most patients tolerate the minor procedure very well without any complications. However, PDT is associated with some possible minor risks and complications. Since an exaggerated light-sensitive reaction is expected by definition of PDT, most patients understand and expect some type of a sunburn or red reaction after skin PDT. Not everyone gets a sunburn reaction, however. Some patients may have no visible reaction or redness. Possible risks and complications of photodynamic therapy include (but are not limited to) burning, skin discoloration, skin redness, prominent tiny blood vessels (telangeictasia), pain, infection, cold-sore activation, blisters, scabs, unsightly scars, keloids (raised, thick scars), cosmetic disfigurement, skin discoloration, eye injury or swelling, allergic reactions, prolonged sun sensitivity, reaction to topical anesthesia, precancer or cancer recurrence, need for further treatment including biopsy, radiation or plastic surgery, and rarely death. Minor
