I want photodynamic therapy! Why should you be considering this alternative to skin cancer surgery?

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is an excellent non-surgical treatment which is ideal for some skin cancers or areas of skin that have been damaged by the sun over time and have the potential to turn into skin cancer. You may have been given the diagnosis of actinic keratosis (AK), superficial basal cell carcinoma (superficial BCC) or Bowen’s disease for these lesions. It is possible that a number of other non-visible areas of sun damage exist within your skin around these lesions. These areas are called ‘field change’.

How does it work?

The advanced science behind this treatment uses a combination of light (either natural sunlight or from a special lamp) and a topical cream/gel applied to the lesions. The topical treatment is absorbed into the damaged skin cells - when this cream is activated by the light, the abnormal cells are destroyed but healthy cells are left unaffected. PDT is particularly effective in treating ‘field change’ as the cream is absorbed by damaged cells we cannot see in the skin. One of the other positive side effects of PDT is that it’s also effective in reducing other signs of sun damage such as fine lines, sun spots and texture changes.

How do I get it ?

This is a prescription treatment, prescribed by your dermatologist. At Skin55, we have several dermatologists with expertise in using photodynamic therapy who can diagnose your skin condition and discuss your treatment options with you.

What is recovery like?

Whilst PDT is classed as a non-invasive treatment it can be uncomfortable and may require some downtime depending on the extent of the areas treated and the level of your usual activity.

Your skin will be very red and mildly swollen for a few days after the treatment and may look worse before it gets better. Crusting and peeling is normal, so you might want to take a few days off work or avoid timing the treatment when you have social events to give your skin time to recover in private. It’s normal to have some redness and irritation for up to 10 days after the treatment and you should protect your skin from sunlight or UV raditation as it will be extra sensitive for about 6 weeks.

Should I have a biopsy first ?

We recommend that you have a biopsy of the area to be treated if this is possible to confirm the lesion is suitable - for solitary skin growths this should be straightforward but for large areas, for example the scalp, it may not be practical to have a biopsy.

We offer two types of PDT (daylight and lamp) for more information visit our PDT page.

Sebacia Acne Treatment System - what is it all about?

Acne is an extremely common skin condition which affects almost all teens at some point. However when acne outbreaks continue in your 20s, 30s and even 40s it can have a debilitating impact on self esteem, not to mention increasing the risk of scarring and pigmentation changes.

Daily creams, long term antibiotics and other systemic pills are common treatments, although they do not work for everyone. And some people would prefer not to be on long term medication.

What causes acne?
Acne develops when hair follicles (pores) get plugged with debris (called hyperkeratinization)
and oil (called sebum). Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands that are attached to the pores.
Excess sebum and blocked pores create ideal conditions for acne bacteria to thrive and multiply– triggering the blemishes we see on our skin.

What is different about Sebacia Acne Treatment?
The Sebacia Acne Treatment uses a specialized formulation containing gold microparticles (SEB-2 50). SEB-250 is a liquid topical that is applied and massaged into the skin. The procedure delivers SEB-250 into the pores and sebaceous glands. A hand-held laser is then applied to the skin, heating the Sebacia Microparticles in the pores and sebaceous glands. This targeted heating is designed to affect the sebaceous glands and pores to address the three factors causing acne and improve the appearance of your skin over time.

This makes the treatment non systemic as it is physically targeting the sebaceous gland and not affecting any other part of the body, nor does it rely you on ingesting a medication.

Advantages of the Sebacia Acne Treatment
Localised treatment that targets 3 of the underlying causes of acne (see crossectional image)
1. Oil production
2. Clogged pores
3. P. acnes bacteria
All of which contribute to 4. Inflammation in response to the bacteria
Only 3 procedures each lasting 30-45 minutes with no downtime from school or work
May eliminate the need for antibiotics or systemic prescription drugs

Effects of Sebacia Acne Treatment in SEB-003 European Study
Mean inflammatory lesion reduction at 12 weeks 49%
Mean inflammatory lesion reduction at 7 months 69%

Skin55 is accepting acne patients for evaluation trial of Sebacia Acne Treatment System. A limited number of places are available in this study, in which volunteers will receive the acne treatment free of charge. 

Volunteers are required to meet the selection criteria for this study.  Further details and enrolment information are available here or visit www.sebacia.com

Join us for a free skin and mole check - 21st August

We are offering free skin screening with our Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist Rebecca on 21st August.

Skin cancer incidence continues to increase in the UK and over 100 000 people are newly diagnosed with the disease every year.

As part of your visit your skin will be examined, we will provide education on how to check your skin and what changes to look out for and also give advice on how to stay safe in the sun.
Should any lesions require further assessment you will be advised to book to see a dermatologist or visit your GP. 

You can walk in any time between 9am - 5pm but booking is advisable, as priority will be given to those who have booked. Call 0203 757 5631 to book your place.