What should you know about facial photodynamic therapy?

A clinician applies a light-sensitive medicine to the selected skin and allows it to act before illuminating the area. The activated medicine creates a treatment effect in targeted cells. PDT may be considered for some sun-damaged lesions and selected superficial skin cancers, including certain basal cell carcinoma cases, when the clinician judges it suitable. It is not interchangeable with every laser or light treatment, and the diagnosis, lesion depth and immune status matter.

Tell the clinic about medicines that increase light sensitivity, allergies, previous skin cancer treatment and any active infection or irritation. Follow instructions about arriving with clean skin and protecting the treated area from bright indoor or outdoor light for the advised period. Redness, warmth, stinging, swelling and crusting may occur as the area heals. Do not pick crusts; cleanse gently and use the recommended dressing or moisturiser.

Contact the treating team for escalating pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, heavy bleeding, delayed healing or a lesion that remains or changes. Seek urgent help for severe swelling, breathing difficulty, eye exposure or vision changes. New or persistent facial lesions should be examined rather than repeatedly treated at home.

What diagnosis is being treated, and why is PDT suitable for its depth and location? How long must I avoid bright light? What healing changes are expected, and what alternatives such as topical 5-fluorouracil should we consider?