Topical Steroids Reduce Erythema from Photodynamic Therapy

A 39% increase in erythema with standard PDT was reduced to 18% with the addition of a potent steroid cream.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) — in which delta aminolevulinate or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) is applied to the skin and activated by exposure to visible light — effectively treats actinic keratoses (AKs). However, its use is associated with pain and erythema at the treatment site. In this randomized trial, investigators assessed the efficacy of a potent topical steroid to reduce these adverse effects.

In 22 patients, two areas of skin were treated with MAL and red light; one of the areas was pretreated with clobetasol cream before MAL application and again immediately after the compound was illuminated.

Immediately after illumination, erythemal response was similar in the two treatment sites. At 24 hours, erythema had increased significantly m…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)