Daylight Photodynamic Therapy (D-PDT) at Dr Bela Clinic in West London
At Dr Bela Clinic, we are proud to introduce Daylight Photodynamic Therapy (D-PDT), an innovative and highly effective treatment for mild to moderate actinic keratosis on chronic sun-damaged skin. Using natural sunlight as the light source, D-PDT offers a convenient and virtually pain-free alternative to traditional treatments for these precancerous skin conditions. If you’re looking for a comfortable, efficient way to address skin lesions, D-PDT could be the perfect solution for you.
What is Daylight Photodynamic Therapy?
Daylight Photodynamic Therapy (D-PDT) is a non-invasive treatment designed to selectively destroy abnormal skin cells, such as those found in actinic keratosis, a common pre-cancerous condition caused by prolonged sun exposure. It involves applying a special gel, AMELUZ® 78mg/g, containing 5-aminolaevulinic acid, which activates when exposed to daylight. The gel interacts with oxygen in your skin cells, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that specifically target and eliminate only the abnormal cells, while sparing healthy tissue.
Benefits of Daylight PDT at Dr Bela Clinic
– Convenient and Pain-Free: D-PDT is much better tolerated than conventional PDT (C-PDT). Since it uses natural daylight, patients experience minimal discomfort and can enjoy a normal routine during treatment.
– No Specialist Equipment Required: Unlike traditional PDT, D-PDT requires no special light source, making it a simpler and more accessible option.
– Large Treatment Areas: With D-PDT, there is no limit to the size of the area that can be treated, making it ideal for addressing larger areas of sun-damaged skin (field cancerization).
– Minimal Downtime: The treatment is followed by minimal redness and discomfort, with most patients reporting excellent cosmetic outcomes.
– High Satisfaction Rates: Studies show an impressive 91.8% patient satisfaction rate, with up to 70% of lesions completely cleared after 12 weeks.
Is Daylight PDT Right for You?
Daylight PDT is ideal for patients with mild to moderate actinic keratosis (Olsen Grade 1 to 2) or those with field cancerisation, where sun damage extends over a larger skin area. It’s particularly effective for treating the face and scalp, where actinic keratosis frequently occurs.
Contraindications
Patients who have certain conditions, such as porphyria or photodermatoses, should avoid this treatment. We will conduct a thorough consultation to ensure you are a suitable candidate for D-PDT.
How Does the Treatment Work?
- Consultation and Preparation: During your consultation, we will review your medical history, check for allergies, and obtain consent. We recommend preparing your skin with moisturisers, such as Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS or CeraVe Psoriasis Cream, about 1-2 weeks prior to treatment to soften any lesions.
- On the Day of Treatment:
– A chemical sunscreen will be applied to the treatment area for 10 minutes.
– Your skin will be cleansed and prepared with alcohol wipes.
– A thin layer of AMELUZ® gel will be applied to the affected area.
Within 30 minutes of application, you will head outside for 2 hours of daylight exposure. A cloudy sky is not a problem, but rain or temperatures below 10°C are not suitable for the treatment, so the treatment is weather-dependent. For this reason, D-PDT is available in London from March to December between 9 AM and 5 PM.
– After 2 hours, you can wash off the remaining gel with water.
- Post-Treatment Care: You should wear a hat outside to avoid sun exposure for at least 48 hours after treatment. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment in 3 months.
Why Choose Daylight PDT?
Daylight PDT offers a patient-friendly option for treating actinic keratosis and field cancerisation. With minimal discomfort and excellent results, it’s an ideal solution for those looking for a more convenient approach compared to Efudix or other irritating agents.
Book Your Consultation
If you’re dealing with chronic sun-damaged skin with thick, irritated patches on your face or scalp called actinic keratosis, book a consultation with Dr Bela Clinic today. Together, we’ll determine if Daylight Photodynamic Therapy is the right treatment for you. Contact us to schedule your appointment.
45min appointment –
