Skip to main content

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy, also known as PDT, can help target precancerous lesions, sun damage, acne, and other skin concerns without surgery. Paradise Dermatology in Sarasota provides personalized PDT treatments to help address abnormal or damaged cells, support clearer skin, and protect long-term skin health.

Schedule Appointment
Explore Our Specials

What Is Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic therapy is a minimally invasive skin treatment that combines a light-sensitive medication with a specific light source. The medication is applied to the treatment area and absorbed by targeted abnormal or damaged cells. Once activated by light, it helps destroy those cells while limiting impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

PDT is commonly used to treat actinic keratoses, which are precancerous spots caused by sun damage. It may also be used for certain cases of acne, rosacea, sun-damaged skin, sebaceous hyperplasia, and select superficial skin cancers when appropriate.

When to Consider Photodynamic Therapy

Many patients consider PDT when they have visible sun damage, recurring rough patches, or precancerous lesions that need treatment. It may also be recommended when a dermatologist wants to address a broader area of damaged skin instead of treating one spot at a time.
You may benefit from photodynamic therapy if you are experiencing:

Actinic keratoses or precancerous lesions

Sun-damaged skin

Rough, scaly, or crusted patches

Persistent or severe acne

Rosacea-related redness and inflammation

Enlarged oil glands, also called sebaceous hyperplasia

Certain superficial skin cancers

Multiple damaged spots in one treatment area

A desire for a non-surgical treatment option when appropriate

A personalized consultation can help determine whether PDT is the right option for your skin condition, treatment area, and long-term skin health goals.

Personalized Photodynamic Therapy Treatment Options

At Paradise Dermatology, PDT care is never one-size-fits-all. Your treatment plan is based on your diagnosis, skin type, sun damage, treatment area, medical history, sensitivity, and long-term goals. Our team focuses on targeting damaged cells while helping protect healthy surrounding skin.

Precancerous Lesion Treatment

PDT may be recommended for actinic keratoses and sun-damaged areas where precancerous cells need to be treated before they progress.

Acne & Rosacea Support

For select patients, PDT may help improve persistent acne, inflammation, redness, and oil-related skin concerns as part of a medically guided care plan.

Sun Damage & Skin Clarity

PDT can help address damaged cells in sun-exposed skin and may support a clearer, healthier-looking complexion over time.

Concerns Photodynamic Therapy Can Treat

Photodynamic therapy can be used for several concerns related to sun damage, abnormal cell growth, inflammation, and skin clarity. Paradise Dermatology provides PDT for patients in Sarasota and surrounding communities with concerns such as:

  • Actinic keratoses
  • Precancerous skin lesions
  • Sun-damaged skin
  • Persistent acne
  • Rosacea redness and inflammation
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia
  • Certain superficial skin cancers
  • Rough or scaly patches
  • Visible discoloration from sun damage
  • Broader areas of damaged skin

Identifying the specific condition and treatment area helps us recommend a PDT plan that is appropriate for your skin and goals.

How Photodynamic Therapy Works

PDT begins with the application of a photosensitizing medication to the treatment area. The medication is given time to absorb into targeted abnormal or damaged cells during an incubation period, which may vary depending on your treatment plan.

After the medication has absorbed, the treatment area is exposed to a calibrated light source. The light activates the medication, creating a reaction that helps destroy targeted cells. Light exposure itself is usually brief, and after treatment you will receive aftercare instructions to help protect your skin as it heals.

PDT for Sun Damage and Skin Cancer Prevention

Patients choose PDT for different reasons. Some need treatment for actinic keratoses or field damage caused by years of sun exposure, while others may benefit from PDT for acne, rosacea, or select superficial skin concerns. The right approach depends on your diagnosis, skin type, treatment goals, and overall skin cancer risk.

Paradise Dermatology provides photodynamic therapy with a thoughtful, personalized approach. Whether PDT is recommended as part of a skin cancer prevention plan or for another dermatologic concern, our team can help you understand what to expect.

Supporting Healing and Long-Term Skin Health

After PDT, the treated skin may be red, swollen, tender, peeling, or sensitive for several days. Some patients feel tingling or stinging during light exposure, but this typically improves after the treatment is complete.

Because the skin is more sensitive to light after PDT, avoiding direct sun exposure is especially important. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions, which may include staying out of the sun, using gentle skincare, moisturizing frequently, avoiding harsh exfoliants, and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

Results vary depending on the condition being treated. Some patients notice improvement within about a week, while full results may continue to develop over several weeks as damaged cells clear and healthier skin replaces them. Multiple sessions may be recommended for acne, sun damage, or more extensive concerns.

Ready to Take the Guesswork Out of Photodynamic Therapy?

Schedule Your Appointment