The person who previously brought up this topic prompted me to do a search.
Interesting stuff:

http://www.aad.org/PressReleases/Photodynamic_Therapy_Nester.html



NEW YORK (October 22, 2003) – Acne, rosacea and sun damage are some of the most
prevalent skin conditions treated by dermatologists. Fortunately, recent
advances in laser therapies are providing new hope for millions of people who
struggle with these conditions everyday.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) Derm Update 2003,
dermatologist Mark Steven Nestor, MD, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor,
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of
Medicine, Miami, Fla., discussed how lasers and light devices used alone or in
conjunction with certain photo sensitizing agents, or photodynamic therapy, is
improving the treatment of acne, rosacea and sun damage.

“Lasers are typically thought of as cosmetic devices, but from their inception
in the field of dermatology almost 30 years ago, lasers have been used for the
treatment of clinical conditions, as well,” said Dr. Nestor. “In addition,
photodynamic therapy has been used investigationally to treat various conditions
such as retinal problems associated with the eyes and precancerous conditions of
the esophagus or bladder. However, dermatologists have recently combined the use
of lasers and light devices with elements of photodynamic therapy to make great
strides in the treatment of prevalent facial skin conditions.”

Photodynamic therapy using a topical medication called aminolevulinic acid has
been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat actinic
keratosis (AKs), an early potential sign of skin cancer. Unfortunately, initial
treatment using this medication overnight, combined with laser therapy, was
found to be both difficult and uncomfortable for the patient. However, recent
developments using aminolevulinic acid with lasers and light sources for shorter
treatment periods (i.e. one hour), called “short contact” photodynamic therapy,
have yielded much more positive results.

A typical short contact photodynamic therapy treatment begins with a light
microdermabrasion. This technique is used to remove any dead skin cells on the
surface of the face, which allows for better penetration of the aminolevulinic
acid. The microdermabrasion is followed by a topical application of
aminolevulinic acid, which is left in place for approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
The medication is then removed using an alcohol swab, soap and water. Finally,
the patient is treated with a laser or light source.

According to Dr. Nestor, “Photodynamic therapy is an essentially painless
procedure for the patient. While initial results may be seen as early as the
first session, some patients require a series of three to five sessions to see
significant results. However, it really depends on the patient and the severity
of the skin condition being treated.”

Short contact photodynamic therapy has proven successful in the treatment of
moderate to severe cystic acne, a condition usually treated with the long-term
use of antibiotics or isotretinoin. However, antibiotic treatments and
isotretinoin can be associated with certain side effects, and antibiotics have
limited effectiveness in many patients. Acne treatments using short contact
photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid and lasers or light sources appear
to have positive effects in significant numbers of individuals. Patients usually
undergo three procedures, and side effects have included some slight facial
redness. New studies also highlight that certain FDA approved light sources
(blue light) can improve inflammatory acne in just a few short sessions without
any side effects.

“It generally takes around two to six weeks to see significant results for
patients with acne,” said Dr. Nestor. “While it is still early in the
investigational process, photodynamic therapy, as well as light-based therapy
for acne, appears to provide long-term improvement for patients. It is
anticipated that FDA trials on this treatment will begin very soon.”

Short contact photodynamic therapy, as well as intense pulse light
photorejuvenation, have also been used to successfully treat patients with
rosacea, a common skin condition that causes redness and swelling on the face,
as well as thickening of the skin. Until now, the primary treatment for rosacea
has been antibiotics (both oral and topical). Antibiotic treatment has had some
success in reducing the blood vessels and redness associated with rosacea.
However, dermatologists are finding that intense pulse light photorejuvenation
and short contact photodynamic therapy, again using aminolevulinic acid, may
also successfully improve the redness and thickening skin of patients with this
condition.

In addition to acne and rosacea, short contact photodynamic therapy treatments
have made significant cosmetic improvements in patients with long-term sun
damage.

“The symptoms of sun damage, such as rough skin, pigmentary problems, wrinkles,
and certain early signs of skin cancer, have exploded in recent years due to the
thinning ozone layer and various lifestyles associated with sun exposure.
Therefore, sun damage is one of the most prevalent conditions treated by
dermatologists,” said Dr. Nestor. “The latest photodynamic therapy techniques
are giving patients another option for the treatment of sun damage and are
improving their cosmetic outlook.”

Short contact photodynamic therapy appears to be an important step in the
treatment of acne, rosacea and sun damage. This combination treatment is also
finding success in a variety of other conditions such as keratosis pilaris
(severely dry skin), certain types of warts, molluscum (a non-cancerous skin
growth), and excessive oiliness of the skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most
influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a
membership of over 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is comitted to:
advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the
skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education,
and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a
lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at
1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.





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