Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
3185570 Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie 2016 7 Pages PDF
Abstract
Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis or pre-cancerous keratosis, is frequently observed in areas of skin exposed to sunlight, particularly in light-skinned patients. In France, photodynamic therapy using red light (conventional PDT) and methylamino 5-levulinate (MAL) is indicated in the treatment of thin or non-hyperkeratotic and non-pigmented multiple AK lesions or large zones covered with AK lesions. It is well-known for its efficacy but also for its side effects, especially pain during illumination, which can limit its use. An alternative to PDT using natural daylight has recently been proposed to treat actinic keratosis lesions, and results in greater flexibility as well as significant reduction in pain. The lesions are prepared as for conventional PDT, with MAL cream being applied by the physician or the patient, after which they are exposed to natural daylight for 2 hours. The lesions are then gently cleansed and protected from natural light for 24 hours. This paper seeks to provide a precise description of the daylight PDT procedure for the treatment of AK.
Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Dermatology
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