Red Light Photodynamic Therapy
Red Light Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) at Dermadocs Skin Cancer Clinics in Parkside is a non-surgical clinical treatment used to eliminate precancerous cells and specific shallow skin cancers. This advanced therapy combines a light-activated prescription cream with a specialized red LED light to target and destroy abnormal tissue while leaving the surrounding healthy skin intact.
Actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous sun damage)
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs)
Bowen’s disease (Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ)
The entire procedure is completed as a single-day outpatient visit
✔ Preparation : The skin is gently cleansed and the target area is scraped to remove any dry crusts or scale, allowing for optimal cream absorption.
✔ Incubation : A specialized photosensitizing cream is applied thickly to the lesions and remains in place while the abnormal cells selectively absorb the medication.
✔ Activation : The area is cleaned again, and a specialized red light is directed at the skin for roughly 8 to 15 minutes to destroy the target cells.
Surgical excision is the cornerstone of skin cancer treatment at Dermadocs Skin Cancer Clinic in Parkside, Adelaide.
When standard excision isn’t sufficient, advanced surgical techniques ensure thorough cancer removal while preserving form, function and aesthetic outcomes.
Cryotherapy — also called cryosurgery — is a minimally invasive skin cancer treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal cells.
Electrodesiccation & Curettage (EDC) is a simple, effective treatment option for selected superficial skin cancers and precancerous lesions.
Red Light Photodynamic Therapy is commonly recommended for:
Treatment Cycles
Sunspots typically require only a single session, while superficial skin cancers generally need a second session spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart.
Discomfort
The skin is gently cleansed and the target area is scraped to remove any dry crusts or scale, allowing for optimal cream absorption.
Downtime
The treated skin will mimic a severe sunburn, exhibiting redness, swelling, and eventual scabbing over 1 to 2 weeks.
Strict Protection
You must keep the treated area fully covered and entirely protected from natural daylight and bright indoor lights for 48 hours post-procedure.
PDT helps treat sun spots, sun-damaged skin, and some superficial skin cancers while improving overall skin appearance.
Most patients feel mild warmth or tingling during treatment, which usually settles quickly.
Redness, peeling, or mild swelling can occur for a few days as the skin heals.
Some conditions improve in one session, while others may require multiple treatments for best results.
