Photodynamic therapy is a proven effective treatment of actinically damaged skin cells, nonmelanoma skin cancers, and acne and other pilosebaceous conditions. As an agent for general facial rejuvenatin it has untapped potential. The current state of PDT therapy and future applications are discussed in detail in this exciting new volume. Throughout, the focus is on evidence-based clinical uses of PDT, including pretreatment regimens, avoidance and management of complications, and posttreatment suggestions.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has become an important treatment modality in medical practice. New and exciting applications continue to emerge and the future of PDT looks brighter and brighter. Dermatologists and other health professionals around the world rely on its therapeutic effect for the treatment of actinic keratoses, non-melanoma skin cancers, acne vulgaris, and various other dermatologic conditions. In this comprehensive yet concise book, world-renowned experts showcase all of the common, everyday uses of PDT in dermatologic offices. They also examine how this beneficial therapy can be utilized to its full capacity. The considerable knowledge presented here renders this publication an indispensable resource for all dermatologists and health professionals who offer their patients this effective, noninvasive procedure.

Photodynamic therapy has been widely investigated over the past two decades and is emerging as a promising therapeutic modality for skin cancers and several inflammatory diseases. This growing interest is based on the availability of a new simple, effective and safe regimen using the topical application of a pro-drug, 5-aminolevulinic acid, as well as on the development of new "second generation" photosensitizers, namely 5-aminolevulinic acid-esters, phthalocyanines, chlorins, porphycenes and hypericin. In contrast to hematoporphyrin derivatives, these compounds are characterized by short-lasting generalized skin photosensitivity. These dyes are available for either topical or systemic delivery and are well characterized. The basic principles of PDT is more complex than chemotherapy or other pharmacological modalities. PDT involves not only a drug but an otherwise harmless compound that is activated by visible light. The interaction of these two treatment components is PDT. The variability of these both components results in a complexity of the treatment that may disorient the clinician who does not have specific experience in this field. This book aims to focus experimental and clinical findings on PDT in order to attract and direct the attention of a growing number of dermatologists.

This title in the PROCEDURES IN COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY SERIES presents up-to-the-minute, practical guidance on the hottest photodynamic therapy techniques shaping today's practice. Succinctly written and lavishly illustrated, it focuses on procedural how-to's and offer step-by-step advice on proper techniques, pitfalls, and tricks of the trade—so you can refine and hone your skills...and expand your surgical repertoire. You'll find current, to-the-point guidance on the cosmetic use of PDT—edited by a pioneer in the field, Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman. Implement the newest procedures into your practice immediately and confidently—with the outstanding guidance you'll find in this volume of the PROCEDURES IN COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY SERIES. Get the best results when performing PDT for skin diseases, skin cancer and HPV, and skin rejuvenation, especially in aging and sun-damaged skin —all in one concise, accessible volume. Visualize techniques clearly with a wealth of color illustrations and photographs that depict cases as they appear in practice. Know the costs for each light source, and get recommendations from the experts on which light source is best for your practice. Ensure the safety of your clients with post-photodynamic therapy care information sheets for patients. Implement the latest techniques for topical PDT for acne * photorejuvenation * fluorescence diagnosis * and medical uses of PDT.

Provides hands-on guidance on the use of PDT for medical and cosmetic conditions. Details the use of PDT for the treatment of acne, skin cancer, HPV and other viral conditions, psoriasis, hair removal, and skin rejuvenation, and more. Discusses the mechanisms of action of photodynamic therapy, and offers information on the drugs used in photodynamic therapy.

Phototherapy's exact place in cancer therapies is presently unknown, but what is known about its basis, technique and capabilities is found between the covers of this book. Basic science is covered first, with attention to the biology, physics and chemistry involved. Clinical application follows, covering experimental and clinical studies, and individual chapters address phototherapy as used for specific anatomic sites. The last chapter looks at future directions and applications of this new and still evolving technique of cancer treatment.

This book is the most up-to-date publication on photodiagnostic and phototherapeutic methods used in dermatology. Edited by international experts in the field, it offers comprehensive information on every aspect of Photodiagnostics and Phototherapy. The book focuses on the clinical aspects: detailed descriptions of photo- and photochemotherapy for the treatment of selected diseases as well as standardized test protocols for photodermatoses and for the diagnosis of skin tumors are presented. The clinically oriented chapters are supplemented by practical guidelines for phototherapy and information about basic principles of photobiology.