Treating hidradenitis suppurativa with photodynamic therapy

J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2018 Aug;20(4):223-228. doi: 10.1080/14764172.2017.1400169. Epub 2017 Dec 1.

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, recurring, and disabling inflammatory condition of the skin. There is no cure for hidradenitis suppurativa and treatment must be adapted to each individual patient. Several studies have been published since 2004 on the use of photodynamic therapy to treat hidradenitis suppurativa. The use of superficial or interstitial illumination with 5-amino-levulinic acid (5-ALA) or methylene blue (MB) have been proposed. Injecting 5-ALA or MB followed by illumination with a fiber optic sensor placed inside the lesion appears to be a better method of treating these thick lesions.

Keywords: PDT; Topical agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Aminolevulinic Acid
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Levulinic Acids / administration & dosage
  • Levulinic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Methylene Blue / administration & dosage
  • Methylene Blue / therapeutic use*
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Levulinic Acids
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Methylene Blue