Photodynamic Therapy (ALA)

ALA Photodynamic Therapy is one of a few treatments we offer for the relief of acne. ALA is a prescription medication applied topically to the skin an hour prior to treatment with a wavelength of light. Depending on the severity of your Acne will depend on whether a blue, yellow or red light is used. A consultation with a Dermatologist is necessary to ensure that one of these treatments is appropriate. A range of medications and maintenance skincare products may also be prescribed, specific to your skins needs and type of Acne.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a modern light therapy for the treatment of sun damaged skin, Actinic Keratoses and mild to moderate acne. PDT-ALA involves the application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a photosensitising agent, followed by light exposure from an appropriate light source, to activate the ALA and destroy the biological targets that cause acne.

Acne occurs due to the over production of a bacteria called p.acnes, in response to genetic factors as well as excessive sebum production from sebaceous glands. P.acne and sebaceous glands are the biological targets we are aiming to destroy in these PDT-ALA sessions.

ALA is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, when applied topically (directly onto the skin) it is selectively absorbed into altered skin cells only, it is not retained by normal tissue, making the acne affected areas more sensitive to light.

PDT-ALA has been reported to give clearance of active acne for an average of 8-12 months after one to two sessions. In more severe cases of acne expect to need two treatments to achieve adequate clearance.

The light source chosen to activate the ALA is dependent on the severity of acne as the wavelength of light (blue, yellow or red) selected determines how deep the light penetrates into the skin and how aggressive the treatment is intended to be.

If you have quite bad acne you may be advised to have a course of Blue Light treatments combined with an adequate skin care regime to calm your acne before undergoing a PDT-ALA acne treatment.

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