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Photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis

Finger Lakes Dermatology now offers in-office photodynamic therapy, or PDT, for appropriate patients with actinic keratoses on the face and scalp.

Actinic keratoses, often called AKs, are rough, scaly spots caused by long-term sun damage. These spots are considered precancerous and should be evaluated by a dermatologist. PDT gives your dermatology team a way to treat visible lesions as well as areas of sun-damaged skin where multiple AKs may be present.

At Finger Lakes Dermatology, PDT is performed in the office using AMELUZ® topical gel and our new RhodoLED® XL red light lamp.

AMELUZ® tube product
RhodoLED XL red light lamp

What is photodynamic therapy?

Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive, in-office treatment used for certain actinic keratoses. During treatment, our dermatologist applies a photosensitizing medication to the treatment area. After the medication has time to absorb, the area is exposed to a specific red light that activates the medication.

This process targets sun-damaged skin cells affected by actinic keratosis while allowing the treated area to heal over the days and weeks that follow.

PDT may be recommended when a dermatologist wants to treat several AKs in one area, especially on the face or scalp.

What does PDT treat?

PDT with AMELUZ® and RhodoLED® XL is used for lesion-directed and field-directed treatment of mild-to-moderate actinic keratoses on the face and scalp.

You may be a candidate for PDT if you have:

  • Rough, scaly, or crusty spots caused by sun damage
  • Multiple AKs in the same area
  • Actinic keratoses on the face, forehead, temples, ears, or scalp
  • A history of recurring sun damage that needs ongoing dermatology care

We will examine your skin and determine whether PDT is appropriate for your diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.

How PDT with AMELUZ® and RhodoLED® XL works

Your PDT visit includes several steps:

  1. Skin preparation – The treatment area is cleaned, and scales or crusts may be gently removed.
  2. AMELUZ® application – AMELUZ® topical gel is applied to the area being treated.
  3. Absorption period – The medication remains on the skin under a light-blocking dressing for a period of time determined by the treatment protocol.
  4. Red light treatment – The treatment area is illuminated using the RhodoLED® XL red light lamp. Protective eyewear is worn during this step.
  5. Healing period – After treatment, the skin begins healing. Redness, irritation, crusting, scaling, and tenderness are common temporary reactions.
Healing process showing before and after results of photodynamic therapy treatment

What to expect after PDT

After PDT, the treated skin will be more sensitive to light. For 48 hours after treatment, you should avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight and artificial sources of UV radiation, including tanning beds and sun lamps. You may also be asked to wear protective clothing or coverings over the treated area.

Common temporary reactions can include redness, burning or stinging, irritation, swelling, itching, scaling, scabbing, hardening, or blistering. Most reactions occur during or shortly after the red light portion of treatment and are usually mild to moderate, though some may last longer.

Our dermatology team will give you specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment area.

Healing and results

As the treated skin heals, crusting or scaling may occur. This is part of the expected healing process for many patients. Over time, treated AK lesions may clear and the skin may appear smoother.

Individual results vary. Some patients may need additional treatment depending on the number, severity, and response of their actinic keratoses.

RhodoLED PDT treatment protocol

Is PDT right for me?

The best way to know whether PDT is appropriate is to schedule an evaluation with our dermatologists. Finger Lakes Dermatology provides medical dermatology care for patients in the Finger Lakes region and surrounding communities.

During your visit, we can review your sun damage, examine any suspicious spots, and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

Request an appointment

Schedule your visit today. Call (607) 708-1330 or request an appointment online.

Photodynamic therapy FAQs

No. PDT uses a topical medication and a specific red light source to treat actinic keratoses. It is not a cosmetic laser treatment.

Some patients experience stinging, burning, warmth, or discomfort during the light portion of treatment. Our care team will talk with you about what to expect and how to manage discomfort during and after your visit.

PDT is a multi-step visit. The AMELUZ® gel must remain on the skin for a period of time before the red light treatment. Our dermatology team will explain the expected timing when your appointment is scheduled.

For 48 hours after treatment, avoid sunlight and artificial UV sources on the treated area. This includes tanning beds and sun lamps. Follow all post-treatment instructions from our dermatologists.

PDT is used to treat actinic keratoses, which are precancerous lesions caused by sun damage. Our dermatologists can determine whether your spots are AKs and whether PDT is the right treatment option.

Some patients may need additional treatment if lesions have not fully resolved. We will recommend follow-up based on your response.