How long does it take to recover from PDT therapy?

It usually takes around 2 to 6 weeks for the area to heal completely, depending on which part of the body has been treated and how big the area is.

How do you treat skin after PDT?

Shower and wash the area immediately and as often as needed. Gently wash the area with soap and water two to three times a day, and apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to the area. Avoidance of harsh or abrasive cleansers is advised. Picking or scrubbing the skin could cause severe irritation or scarring.

What happens after PDT therapy?

Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. Temporary swelling of the lips and around your eyes can occur for a few days. Darker pigmented patches called liver spots can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving normal skin. (This usually occurs over seven to ten days.)

How long does Peeling last after PDT?

Most of the time, redness and mild peeling occur over the next 2-3 days. Occasionally, there can be a burning discomfort for 24 hours and prolonged peeling and redness of up to 5-14 days can occur. Gentle skin care should be used for 48 hours post treatment.

How painful is PDT?

During PDT, pain often manifests as a burning, stinging or prickling sensation and usually peaks in the first minutes of treatment and declines significantly after eight hours 18. Complete pain control during PDT remains a major challenge. The pain mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.

When can I shave after PDT?

Following treatment, please refrain from shaving with a razor blade until day 5 post treatment. You may use an electric razor after day 3 if desired.

Is PDT treatment painful?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-known, effective method for treating extensive areas of multiple actinic keratoses in the face and scalp. The main side-effect of PDT is the pain experienced during treatment.

Can I wash my face after photodynamic therapy?

Starting the day after your treatment, use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser (such as Cetaphil®, Dove®, Basis®, or Eucerin®) to clean the treated area. Use a clean towel to pat your skin dry and avoid rubbing the area.

Can you watch TV after PDT?

You can watch TV as long as you are at least 5-8 feet away from the TV screen. Wear a thick layer of sunblock that has at least SPF 30 and contains Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide during the first 48-72 hours.

Can I watch TV after PDT?

Does PDT treatment hurt?

Can I wash my face after PDT treatment?

What happens during a PDT treatment?

Most PDT treatments occur as outpatient procedures in your doctor’s office. During the procedure: You put on protective gear or clothing, like protective eyewear, gloves or long pants, to help protect healthy skin and underlying tissues. You sit or lie on an examination table, exposing the area of skin to be treated.

What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of treatment that uses light along with chemicals known as photosensitizers to treat cancer and other conditions. Photosensitizers can kill nearby cells when they come into contact with certain wavelengths of light.

How long does it take to recover from photodynamic therapy?

Even a short period of sun exposure may cause an increased amount of skin dryness, redness and burning. Stay indoors for 24 to 48 hours and keep away from sunlight. You will usually be able to return to work within 24 to 48 hours after a photodynamic therapy procedure. The treatment and recovery from photodynamic therapy is usually fairly painless.

How long will I have redness after PDT?

Overall when you undergo PDT, there will be some type of a red skin reaction and irritation for 3 to 10 days after the treatment. Some people are more sensitive to PDT and the light treatment than others. Similarly, some people heal better or faster than others. Some residual redness may be more noticeable depending on the location and skin type.