Applications of Photosensitizer in Therapy

Photosensitization can be defined as a process in which a reaction to normally harmless radiation is induced by the introduction of a specific radiation-absorbing substance (photosensitizer) that causes another component (substrate) to be changed by the radiation. Photosensitivity is characterized by phototoxic and photoallergic effects. Drugs and chemicals may interact with UV to induce photosensitivity. Photosensitive disorders may be classified as those entirely caused by solar exposure and the photoaggravated disorders. Those in the former category include polymorphic light eruption, hydroa vacciniforme, actinic prurigo, solar urticaria and chronic actinic dermatitis. Photosensitivity can be diagnosed by photo test, photo patch test and photo drug test. Recently the photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used for the treatment of cancers. There are various photosensitizers such as photofrin, foscan, 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) etc which used in photodynamic therapy. Photosensitizers are also used to treat vitiligo, microbial infections and acne.