Treatment

With the arrival of summer it is important to consider the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin.

Just 15 minutes´ exposure to the sun can trigger the release of free radicals that cause oxidative damage to cell membranes and nuclear DNA. Initially these changes are subclinical, which means they are not visible to the eye. However, with repeated exposure the damage is cumulative and over the years can lead to the appearance of precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses and malignant lesions such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Malignant melanomas may appear directly, or from a nevus (freckle) that changes into a melanoma. It is recommended an annual or every 6 months medical examination in case of having a family history with melanoma, many nevi, a new nevus or changes in an existing one.

These lesions clinically manifest themselves in the skin as red scaly patches, indurated plaques or ulcerations of the skin.

Over time these precancerous lesions, called actinic keratoses may develop into malignant tumors (squamous cell carcinoma).

Photodynamic therapy is a new treatment that can selectively treat these lesions.

Actinic keratoses are atypical premalignant lesions that may change into a squamous carcinoma, if not treated.

There are different kinds of treatments, either destructive (cryosurgery or electrosurgery), topical (through immunological mechanisms); or the photodynamic therapy. In these cases, it is important to treat all the skin around, although there are no visible injuries, because it is known that there are lesions at a molecular level many years before they finally show.

The treatment involves applying a photosensitive cream, which is selectively absorbed by the atypical cells. These cells are then radiated with a red light source, triggering a photochemical reaction that results in the release of cytotoxic free radicals and activation of the body´s own immune system that together destroy the atypical cells.

Photodynamic therapy is also used for skin resurfacing, or rejuvenation. Photodynamic rejuvenation therapy is a major advance in the treatment of skin aging. Not only does it stimulate collagen formation and improve the quality of the skin, it also treats subclinical and clinically visible precancerous lesions without the need for the patient to take time off work.

Photodynamic rejuvenation is indicated for patients who want to rejuvenate their skin and minimise the effects of chronic sun damage (wrinkles, uneven thinning of the epidermis, dyschromia or irregular changes in pigmentation, telangiectasias and actinic keratosis). Photodynamic therapy reduces fine wrinkles and improves tone and texture, resulting in rejuvenated skin.

Benefits

- Treats and prevents actinic keratosis or precancerous lesions.
- Activates the natural processes for photorejuvenation and photoprotection of the skin.
- It favors the mechanisms of repair improving the appearance of the scars ..
- Therapy for the treatment of acneé since it will eradicate P. Acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne and also has an anti-inflammatory effect on inflamed lesions.

Expert opinion

Dra. Christina Schepers

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer. It is more common in people with clear phototype that have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation or who have suffered from burns. Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Dermatological controls of lesions are necessary to treat skin cancer in time.

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Dark Patches prevention

Treatment

Benefits

Expert opinion

Dra. Christina Schepers