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Topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for extensive scalp actinic keratoses
Author(s) -
Markham T.,
Collins P.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2001.04385.x
Subject(s) - photodynamic therapy , scalp , actinic keratoses , dermatology , medicine , cryotherapy , clearance , actinic keratosis , keratosis , fluorouracil , surgery , chemotherapy , pathology , basal cell , chemistry , urology , organic chemistry
Scalp actinic keratoses (AKs) are common, particularly in elderly bald males. Cryotherapy and 5‐fluorouracil are effective for localized AKs but are limited in extensive disease. Topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5‐ALA PDT) is an alternative. We treated four patients with extensive scalp AKs with low light dose, low dose‐rate topical 5‐ALA PDT using a broad‐spectrum visible light source. Three patients cleared and one showed significant improvement. Remission lasted 6 months.