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.