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Photodynamic Therapy for Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Rundown

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March 14, 2025

With millions of people worldwide suffering from the wrath and complications of psoriasis, medical advancements are introducing new and more effective treatments to keep the condition in check. Photodynamic therapy has been proven to be quite effective for the skin disease.

Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, it often manifests as a chronic ailment with flare-ups, often hindering people’s quality of life. Photodynamic therapy, or PDT has emerged as an effective treatment to not only treat the symptoms but also prevent flare-ups in the future.

With Kayakalp Global, you can, too, avail cutting-edge, patient-centric solutions that are targeted at healing your psoriasis from the root. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the details about photodynamic therapy for psoriasis and how it helps.

What Is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?

When you are introduced to a new medical concept, it makes sense for you to want to have a comprehensive understanding of what it means and what it entails for the disease it treats.

PDT is a medical procedure that combines light and a photosensitising agent to treat targeted areas of the skin. The main objective of this procedure is to destroy diseased or damaged skin cells while minimising harm to surrounding healthy tissue.

Initially, photodynamic therapy was introduced to treat conditions like acne and certain cancers. However, with more research on its effectiveness in treating psoriasis, PDT has become a fantastic option to reduce inflammation, remove damaged cells, and promote healing in psoriatic patients.

Some of the USPs of PDT include:

  • Since it is a precise and localised treatment, it only affects the diseased or affected areas without systemic involvement.
  • With PDT, psoriatic patients can experience relief in multiple cases since the procedure addresses inflammation, abnormal skin cell growth, and reduces infection risks.
  • While PDT is more effective in patients with localised plaques, the treatment is still quite versatile and works on treating different types of psoriasis.

How Photodynamic Therapy Works for Psoriasis?

Understanding the basics of PDT should help you understand why it has recently gained so much traction in psoriasis treatment.

However, being aware of how PDT works and how it can manage psoriasis symptoms is fascinating, too. Here’s what you need to know:

Step 1 - Application of Photosensitizing Agent

The first step of the treatment is the application of the photosensitising agent, usually in cream or gel form. It is directly applied to the psoriatic plaques. Once the cream or gel is completely absorbed by the plaque, it becomes sensitive to light.

Step 2 - Activation Using a Specific Light Source

The next step is to expose the cells to a specific wavelength of light, such as an LED or laser. The light activates the photosensitising agent, triggering a chemical reaction in the cells.

Step 3 - Destruction of Psoriatic Cells

The reaction produces reactive oxygen species that destroy the targeted psoriatic cells. This process reduces plaque thickness, alleviates inflammation, and encourages the regeneration of healthy skin.

Step 4 – Healing and Recovery

The final step is healing from the treatment. Usually, exposure to the light begins the skin’s natural healing process, resulting in much smoother and healthier-looking skin over time.

Before you undergo PDT, our specialists at Kayakalp Global prioritise an initial consultation to understand the underlying cellular dysfunction and inflammation associated with psoriasis. Following this, a personalised treatment plan is curated for you.

Benefits of Photodynamic Therapy for Psoriasis

With how popular psoriasis photodynamic therapy is getting, it isn’t surprising that people are often curious about the benefits. Why opt for PDT if you have psoriasis and how it can be beneficial?

Following are a few benefits to look out for:

  • PDT works specifically on diseased cells, ensuring the surrounding healthy skin remains unaffected. This precision minimises risks and enhances recovery.
  • Unlike some of the prescribed systemic medications for treating the autoimmunity that results in psoriasis, PDT is a localised treatment, meaning that the side effects are minimal to none.
  • PDT not only treats psoriasis plaques but also improves the texture and appearance of the skin. Patients who have discoloured skin due to psoriasis often benefit from the treatment.
  • Undergoing PDT is pretty amazing for patients who don’t want surgical or invasive procedures. This is a non-invasive procedure with quicker recovery.
  • Regular PDT sessions help manage symptoms effectively, reducing the likelihood of relapses and offering sustained relief.

In short, if you have been suffering from psoriasis for a long period and have failed to respond well to some of the traditional treatment options, undergoing PDT can be a much better and more effective alternative.

Who Can Benefit from PDT for Psoriasis?

The next question of the hours is, “Are you a suitable candidate for PDT?” While the treatment is more or less safe for every patient, it surely comes with some limitations that you must be mindful of.

You’d be a suitable candidate for photodynamic therapy for psoriasis if:

  • You have localised plaque psoriasis that hasn’t responded to topical therapies.
  • You have psoriasis on sensitive or hard-to-treat areas, such as the scalp, nails, or folds.
  • You are looking for an alternative to oral medications or biologics, which may have systemic side effects.
  • You are looking for a non-invasive treatment that allows them to resume daily activities immediately after sessions.

Beyond all that, the main aspect of receiving this psoriasis treatment is getting a thorough consultation with a specialist first. When you consult our team of doctors at Kayakalp Global, we analyse the triggers behind your psoriasis and then determine whether PDT would be a better option for you to undergo.

Effectiveness of PDT for Psoriasis

Given the advanced nature of PDT, some patients are often curious about its effectiveness. “Is the treatment effective?” “Will I witness instant relief from the symptoms?” “Does it work in the long term?” are some of the common questions that irk the minds of several patients.

If you are in a similar boat, understanding the effectiveness of PDT can come in handy:

  • Right after a few initial sessions, patients with localised plaques report relief from many symptoms, including redness, inflammation, discomfort, etc.
  • Since PDT is a precise and targeted treatment option for psoriasis, it targets some of the “hard to reach” areas, like the scalp and nails, which traditional treatments often don’t treat.
  • PDT minimises the chances of recurring plaques when incorporated into a regular treatment schedule.
  • Not just symptom reduction, patients undergoing PDT report an improved quality of life, confidence and overall well-being.

PDT vs. Other Psoriasis Treatments

While PDT has been gaining traction for treating psoriasis, we can’t ignore the fact that there are several other treatment options to consider.

Following is a comparison for better understanding:

Treatment

Advantages

Disadvantages

Photodynamic Therapy

Safe, non-invasive, localised, and effective for resistant cases.

Requires regular sessions for mild post-treatment redness.

Topical Corticosteroids

Easy to apply, effective for mild cases.

Long-term use can lead to skin thinning and reduced efficacy.

Biologic Therapies

High success rate for severe cases.

Expensive, with potential systemic side effects.

Phototherapy (UV Light)

Useful for moderate to severe cases.

Prolonged exposure may increase cancer risk over time.

Which psoriasis treatment would best suit you depends on your symptoms, the extent of the plaque spread, and the duration of the disease. This is usually discussed during the consultation at Kayakalp Global, after which a personalised treatment plan is made for you.

Safety and Side Effects of PDT

When considering any new treatment, it is mandatory to be aware of the benefits and disadvantages. This helps you make better, more informed decisions that you don’t regret later.

PDT is a harmless and safe procedure for treating psoriasis. That said, like any other medical procedure, you should be aware of some routine risks and side-effects. They include:

  • Redness and swelling
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Tingling or warmth on the skin

All of these side effects are temporary and will resolve themselves within a few hours or a day after the treatment.

PDT Treatment for Psoriasis at Kayakalp Global

As one of India's leading treatment centres for psoriasis (and vitiligo), Kayakalp Global has treated over 2 lac patients since its inception.

Among the systemic treatments, topical prescriptions, and integrated medicine approach with Ayurveda and modern medicine, Kayakalp Global also offers phototherapy treatments, including PDT, for treating psoriasis.

The treatment is usually recommended for patients suffering from scalp psoriasis, where traditional treatment approaches have failed to yield the desired results. If you are suffering from a similar condition, we recommend you schedule your consultation first.

Once you connect to one of our leading doctors at the hospital, you will receive a thorough examination and assessment, including tests and symptom analysis, to better align a treatment plan that works for your psoriasis.

The overall cost of the PDT therapy at Kayakalp Global will depend on the extent of the disease, the number of sessions you undergo and the sensitivity of the diseased areas on the skin.

Contact Kayakalp Global Today!

Don’t let psoriasis dictate your life. Experience the transformative power of Photodynamic Therapy at Kayakalp Global and take the first step towards healthier, glowing skin.

Book Your Consultation Today

Call us at 91-9599794433
Email us at [email protected]
Visit https://www.kayakalpglobal.com/

With Kayakalp Global, you can now rediscover your confidence and embrace a life free from psoriasis. Your skin deserves the best care—schedule your PDT appointment with us today!

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