Rosacea Flare - Up after Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Field Cancerization and a Review on Adverse Events with PDT in General.

BACKGROUND

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are precancerous epidermal lesions induced by chronic exposure to ultraviolet light. Several topical and surgical treatments are available. For field cancerization, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a very effective noninvasive treatment with excellent outcome and cosmesis. The management of treatment-associated adverse events, however, is crucial to achieve the treatment aims and to ensure patients adherence to PDT.

CASE REPORT: We report on adverse events and their management related to PDT. We conducted literature research on PUBMED (R). Also, we present a case of an uncommon adverse event-PDT-induced rosacea flare-up on scalp and eyes. The patient was treated successfully by submicrobial slow-release doxycycline orally.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT is an excellent treatment option for multiple AKs such as in bald scalp field cancerization. The management of adverse events during and after PDT is an essential part of a successful treatment plan.