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Common Queries

How We Support You

WHAT IS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY?

  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with solution that sensitizes your skin to light. The solution is called Ameluz (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) and it is applied to your skin for 30-90 minutes. Afterwards, a blue light is shined over your skin for 13.5 minutes to activate the solution. This reaction between the light (photo) and the chemical treats kills bacteria, anti-inflammatory, and also minimizes pores and reduces oil glands, improving stubborn acne vulgaris and acne rosacea.

HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT CAN I EXPECT?

  • Some individuals have complete resolution of cystic acne but all will experience an imporvement of thir skin.  The cosmetic improvements, such as smoother texture, less oily skin, smaller pores, and less acne may also be seen and is patient dependent. Some patients see mild while others have dramatic improvement.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL IT TAKE TO SEE THE “BEST RESULTS”?

  • Benefits from PDT can be seen within a few days to a couple of weeks after the first session. Optimal results may take several weeks to a few months. We recommend a series of 2 to 4 treatments 3-5 weeks apart to see the most effective response. (Some patients may see acne improve with one treatment.)

  • WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES? Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. Temporary swelling of the lips and around your eyes can occur for a few days. Some areas of skin  can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving normal skin. (This usually occurs over seven to ten days.)

  • HOW LONG WILL THIS LAST?

Maintenance treatments may be necessary every few months. However, some individuals have lasting benefits up to a year or more. 

Why PDT for Acne

DECREASES NEED FOR ORAL MEDICINES

  • PDT provides an alternative for acne treatment, potentially helping to reduce reliance on oral medications like antibiotics, sprironolactone, or Accutane

REJUVENATES

  • It improves skin tone and texture and can stimulate collagen production. 

REDUCTION OF REDNESS AND OILINESS

  •  PDT can minimize facial redness associated with rosacea and help control acne by shrinking oil-producing glands and unclogging pores. 

IMPROVES APPEARANCE

  • The treatment can lead to smoother, clearer, and more radiant-looking skin

Our Distinctive Edge

INTEGRATED CARE 

  • Pediatricians provide comprehensive care for a child's physical, behavioral, and mental health, allowing them to address acne in the context of their overall well-being. 

CONVENIENCE 

  • A child can continue seeing the same pediatrician from birth through their teen years, fostering a relationship of trust and consistency. This can lead to more effective treatment adherence. 

ALL FORMS OF ACNE

  • Many pediatricians can effectively manage common acne with standard treatments like topical retinoids, antibiotics, and over-the-counter products but PRMD offers an exclusive treatment for cystic acne with red light and photodynamic (PDT) options with exclusive products specifically for teens.

MENTAL HEALTH FOCUS

  • Pediatricians are well-positioned to recognize the significant mental health impact of acne on adolescents, such as anxiety and depression, and can address these concerns alongside skin treatment. 

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