Photodynamic therapy (PDT) supplement

 

This supplement comprises four articles on PDT in addition to ten others addressing diverse subjects of interest of Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology.

Regarding PDT, which uses 5-aminolevulinic acid and methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) as photosensitizing agents activated by LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps, this publication brings two extensive and up-to-date reviews led by the fellow dermatologist physician Dr. Maria Claudia Issa, an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF, Niteroi - RJ, Brazil). After having been introduced in the dermatologists' armamentarium, this technique was initially used in the treatment of actinic keratoses and field cancerization. Later on, its use was expanded to the treatment of photoaging, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, scleroderma, psoriasis, warts and leishmaniasis among other dermatoses. These two review articles focus on the outcomes of PDT in photoaging and the diffusion of this technique in Brazil.

The two other articles on PDT describe the technique's most recent advances, namely the replacement of artificial sources of light by the daylight (Daylight PDT) and the association of transepidermal application of drugs (transepidermal drug delivery). These two new approaches facilitate the use of PDT, leading to a significant decrease of the pain phenomenon linked to the exposure to LEDs and an intensification of the MAL's action in the facial skin, respectively.

This supplement offers another ten articles addressing current issues such as the treatment of melasma, surgical solutions for various types of cutaneous and nails disorders, in addition to two different and innovative therapies for alopecia areata.

Ever grateful for our Authors' availability, we wish a pleasant reading and an enjoyable review of our specialty to SBD members.

 

Dr. Bogdana Victoria Kadunc
Scientific Editor, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology