PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT) FOR ACNE

A Medical Alternative to Systemic Acne Medications

Physician-guided treatment — performed by Dr. Jozef Tryzno

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medically supervised treatment option for selected patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne. PDT may be considered when acne has not responded adequately to topical therapy or when systemic medications—such as isotretinoin—are not appropriate, not tolerated, or not desired.

At International Vein & Skin Institute (IVSI), PDT is used as part of a comprehensive acne management strategy, guided by medical evaluation and individualized treatment planning.

WHAT IS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT)?

Photodynamic therapy is a multi-step medical treatment that combines a topical photosensitizing agent with controlled light activation to target acne at multiple biological levels.

PDT is designed to:

• Reduce sebaceous gland activity
• Decrease acne-causing bacteria
• Suppress inflammatory pathways involved in acne formation

Unlike cosmetic light treatments, PDT is intended to address the underlying drivers of inflammatory acne, not just surface appearance.

HOW PDT IS PERFORMED

PDT typically involves three steps:

1. Application of a photosensitizing agent
   A topical medication (such as aminolevulinic acid, ALA) is applied to the affected skin.
2. Controlled incubation period
   The medication is allowed to penetrate and selectively accumulate in acne-prone structures.
3. Light activation
   The treated skin is exposed to a specific light source (such as blue light or pulsed dye laser), activating the medication and initiating a therapeutic response.

Treatment parameters are adjusted based on acne severity, skin type, and treatment goals.

PDT AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ISOTRETINOIN

For selected patients, PDT may serve as an alternative or adjunct to systemic acne medications, including isotretinoin.

PDT may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have moderate to severe inflammatory acne
• Have not responded adequately to topical therapies
• Are not candidates for isotretinoin
• Prefer to avoid long-term systemic medication
• Have experienced side effects or contraindications with oral treatments

While isotretinoin remains an important and effective treatment for many patients, PDT offers a non-systemic option that may help control acne without long-term oral medication exposure.

PDT is not a cure for acne and does not replace medical evaluation or ongoing management when needed.

EXPECTED BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS

Potential benefits of PDT may include:

• Reduction in inflammatory acne lesions
• Decreased oil production
• Improvement in overall skin inflammation
• Reduced reliance on long-term oral medications in selected cases

Important limitations:

• PDT does not permanently prevent new acne from forming
• Multiple treatment sessions may be required
• Results vary based on acne severity, skin type, and individual response
• Ongoing medical acne management may still be necessary

Realistic expectations and appropriate patient selection are essential.

RECOVERY AND TEMPORARY EFFECTS

Common temporary effects following PDT may include:

• Redness
• Peeling or flaking
• Skin sensitivity
• Temporary photosensitivity

Recovery time varies depending on treatment intensity and individual skin response. Post-treatment care instructions are provided to support healing and minimize irritation.

PDT AND ACNE SCARRING

PDT is used to treat active inflammatory acne, not established acne scars. However, by helping control inflammation, PDT may reduce the risk of future scarring.

Once acne is controlled and skin inflammation is stabilized, scar-directed treatments—such as vascular lasers or texture-focused resurfacing—may be considered separately, when appropriate.

INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT PLANNING

Acne is not a single condition, and no single treatment is appropriate for every patient.

During your visit, Dr. Tryzno will:

• Review your acne history and prior treatments
• Perform a detailed skin examination
• Determine whether PDT is appropriate for your acne pattern
• Discuss alternative and adjunctive treatment options
• Review expected outcomes and recovery

Treatment decisions are based on medical findings, patient preferences, and long-term skin health.

WHEN TO CONSIDER PDT EVALUATION

A consultation may be appropriate if:

• Acne remains active despite topical treatment
• Systemic medications are not desired or not tolerated
• Acne is inflammatory rather than primarily comedonal
• You are seeking a medically guided, non-systemic option

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

To determine whether photodynamic therapy is appropriate for your acne:
📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a medical evaluation.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual treatment decisions depend on clinical findings, patient history, and response to prior therapies. Results vary, and no treatment guarantees complete or permanent acne clearance.