Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy, or PDT is a safe and effective method of treating a number of skin conditions including acne, oily skin, and Actinic Keratosis (AK’s) – areas of sun damage that are considered pre-cancerous. There are two types of PDT, Blu-U and Metvix.

Blu-U

During Blu–U treatment an agent known as Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) is applied to the skin for 60 – 180 minutes. The ALA is preferentially absorbed into sun damaged skin and penetrates both AK’s as well as sun damaged lesions destined to become AK’s. Once the ALA is absorbed the skin is exposed to blue light for 5 – 15 minutes. The blue light activates the ALA which gradually destroys the AK. Blu-U treatment can treat multiple lesions and large areas of sun damage at once, with very little downtime.

Metvix

Metvix is a topical photosensitizer containing methyl aminolevulinate. Metvix is an effective treatment option for pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions including Actinic Keratosis (AK’s), superficial basal cell carcinoma and Bowen’s disease. Metvix is applied to the lesions of concern and left on the skin to absorb for 3 hours. The lesions are then exposed to red light which activates the medication and destroys the AK’s or skin cancers. Full treatment requires two sessions one week apart.

With both Metvix and Blu-U patients experience a mild, sunburn-like reaction for several days. This resolves without any risk of permanent whitening of the skin, commonly seen with liquid nitrogen. Following exposure to the red or blue light patients will feel a tingling or burning sensation and some will experience mild swelling, blistering or crusting. Patients will be required to wear SPF 45 sunscreen daily following treatment.

Metvix and Blu-U treatments are not covered by OHIP, however private insurance may cover all or a portion of the treatment.

For more information on Metvix or Blu-U treatments please contact us to book a consultation.