What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)?
The SkinFlex M PDT lamp from Medisun is an innovative device that has been specially developed for photodynamic therapy (PDT). It can be used to perform both conventional PDT and artificial daylight PDT regardless of the weather and at any time of year. The SkinFlex M offers an effective and safe solution for the treatment of precancerous skin lesions, almost all forms of non-melanoma skin cancer and other conditions. The powerful LEDs cover three therapeutically relevant wavelengths for medical and aesthetic-cosmetic treatments: 417 nm (blue light), 590 nm (yellow light), 633 nm (red light) and daylight (400-700 nm).

Forms of photodynamic therapy we offer:

Conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Conventional PDT is a long-established and successful procedure that has been continuously developed since the 1970s. A special medication, known as a photosensitiser (e.g. aminolevulinic acid (Ameluz®)), is applied to the skin. This medication is absorbed into the cells. After three hours of exposure under light protection, the skin is irradiated with red light using our SkinFlex M lamp. The light activates the photosensitiser, which then forms reactive oxygen species in the cells. These specifically damage diseased cells in precancerous skin lesions and in almost all forms of non-melanoma skin cancer without affecting the surrounding tissue. This is followed by a moderate to strong desired inflammatory reaction of the skin, depending on how pronounced and extensive the skin changes are. The inflammatory reaction may sometimes be stronger than expected. The treatment can be very painful, but it is very effective. It offers the possibility of scar-free treatment as an alternative to surgery or laser treatment. The skin's appearance after the procedure is always better than before, as redness, pigmentation spots and wrinkles also improve as a pleasant side effect.

Daylight PDT in combination with CO2 laser
In daylight PDT, the skin is treated only with natural daylight. This is a newer PDT procedure. Before applying the photosensitiser gel (e.g. aminolevulinic acid (Ameluz®)), the skin is prepared with the CO2 laser at the lowest, painless level, which allows the photosensitiser to penetrate the damaged cells more effectively. After applying the photosensitiser without a long exposure time, the skin is exposed to daylight outdoors (treatment can only be carried out from spring to autumn) or in well-lit rooms. This gently activates the active ingredient in the cells and damages them through the formation of reactive oxygen species. Unlike conventional PDT, the treatment is painless and is well suited for the treatment of precancerous skin lesions, but is not currently approved for the treatment of manifest skin cancer. This is followed by a moderate to strong desired inflammatory reaction of the skin, depending on how pronounced and extensive the skin changes are. The inflammatory reaction may sometimes be stronger than expected. Daylight PDT can be conveniently performed as part of your daily routine. It offers the possibility of scar-free treatment as an alternative to surgery or laser treatment. The appearance of the skin after the procedure is always better than before, as redness, pigment spots and wrinkles also improve as a pleasant side effect. This is why this treatment has already found its way into aesthetic medicine.

Daylight PDT with artificial light / Artificial Daylight PDT with CO2 laser
The treatment is similar to that with daylight (see Daylight PDT with CO2 laser). Depending on the protocol, the photosensitiser is left on for approx. 1 hour. However, after application of the photosensitiser, the skin is irradiated for one hour with the SkinFlex M PDT lamp, which imitates daylight.