Preparing For Photodynamic Therapy
At DRS Skincare Hamilton, ON

Yes. Certain medical conditions, allergies, medications, and supplements can increase your skin’s sensitivity to light or interfere with how Photodynamic Therapy works.

Before undergoing PDT in Hamilton, it’s crucial to inform our team about:

• Any allergies, especially peanut 
• History of cold sores (herpes simplex) or shingles (herpes zoster), as these can flare up with treatment
• All prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements
• Use of antibiotics, retinoids, or other skin treatments

PDT is not performed during pregnancy, so please notify us if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

During your consultation, we’ll discuss your complete medical history to determine if Photodynamic Therapy is safe and suitable for you.

Possibly. Certain medications can increase light sensitivity or interfere with your treatment results. Depending on the medication:

• We may advise you to pause specific medications temporarily.
• In some cases, we might adjust dosages if medically appropriate.
• To avoid breakouts during your healing process, we would probably prescribe an antiviral medicine if you have a history of cold sores.

Remember, pre-treatment instructions are personalized for each patient at DRS Skincare to reduce potential risks and ensure the best outcomes from PDT in Hamilton.

On your PDT appointment day:

• Arrive with a clean, makeup-free face (or clean skin on any area being treated).
• Do not apply lotions, creams, or cosmetics to the treatment area.
• Avoid shaving on the day of treatment, as this may irritate your skin.
• If prescribed, take your antiviral medication as instructed before your appointment.

Protecting your skin from light exposure is essential after PDT. Bring protective clothing, such as:

• A wide-brimmed hat
• Long sleeves
• Sunglasses

We also recommend having specific PDT aftercare products ready before your appointment, including:

• Cold compress or ice packs
• Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
• Moisturizers or ointments such as Aquaphor^®
• Antihistamines or pain relief medications, if advised
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

Having these items prepared will help you manage potential side effects and promote faster healing after your Photodynamic Therapy session.

Your Photodynamic Therapy treatment at DRS Skincare in Hamilton follows a precise, two-step process:

1. Cleansing the Treatment Area
   • We use alcohol or acetone to remove excess oils and debris from your skin, ensuring better absorption of the photosensitizing medication.
2. Applying the Photosensitizing Drug and Activating Light
   
   • We apply the specialized photosensitizing solution to your skin. Following an incubation period, a certain wavelength of light is applied to the treated area, activating the medication and successfully targeting abnormal skin cells.

Throughout your entire PDT experience, the team at DRS Skincare in Hamilton, Ontario, is here to answer your questions and ensure your comfort.