Photodynamic Acne Treatment

We recommend photodynamic acne treatment in inflammatory forms of acne as an alternative to oral drug therapy.

Photodynamic acne treatment is normally not paid for by the health insurance.

Photodynamic acne therapy, in short PDT, is a method to lessen inflammation in acne. Acne bacteria produce a light-sensitive substance which also occurs in our blood (in haemoglobin synthesis). It is applied to the skin as a cream and after an interval of 30 minutes it is activated by a yellow laser light to reduce inflammation. It is a serial treatment of 6 visits every one or two weeks.

After the treatment there is no social down-time and you may wear make-up immediately.

Results

After the final session the anti-inflammatory effect continues for up to six months. The individual response, e.g. the improvement of the acne is not completely predictable. It is a good therapy because no drugs having possible side-effects are used. Therefore it is also suitable during pregnancy and breast feeding. The effects and sustainability of PDT in acne matches the results of many other acne treatments.

Side effects

Acne may improve immediately or sometimes worsen at the beginning. In general the improvement after PDT is eye-catching.

Typically there is redness for 24 – 48 hours that can be covered with make-up. On rare occasions there is crust formation, especially if sun or tanning bed exposure takes place within 24 – 48 hours after the treatment. You need to strictly follow our advice in this respect.

The procedure is not painful.