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Actinic keratoses
The most common precancerous skin condition, a result of chronic UV exposure. The main indication for daylight PDT, also for multiple lesions.
Therapy line 03
Gentle treatment of actinic keratoses. Coming Soon · Early 2027
This therapy offering is currently in preparation. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
Mechanism of action
Light meets photosensitiser: selective cell death.
Before irradiation, a photosensitiser (e.g. a 5-ALA-containing cream) is applied to the areas to be treated. It is selectively absorbed by altered cells, while healthy tissue remains largely unaffected.
Visible light (400–700 nm) then activates the sensitiser. Reactive oxygen species are formed, leading to the controlled cell death of the degenerate cells. The treated skin subsequently regenerates naturally.
The decisive advantage of daylight PDT over conventional PDT with a red-light lamp: longer, gentler exposure with significantly less pain, at comparable efficacy. Treatment in sunlight is often ruled out in our latitudes due to the weather. dermalight daylight PDT® solves exactly this problem: year-round, weather-independent, in the practice.
Indications
Which skin lesions daylight PDT is used for.
02
Field cancerisation
Large-area UV-damaged regions with multiple subclinical changes. Area-wide treatment instead of individual therapy per lesion.
03
Bowen's disease
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ, an early form with a high chance of cure if treated in time. PDT as a non-invasive alternative.
04
Superficial basal cell carcinomas
Superficial basal cell carcinomas in cosmetically sensitive areas, a low-scarring alternative to surgical excision.
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Light-damaged skin
Accompanying treatment for area-wide photoaging. PDT additionally has a cosmetic skin-regenerating effect.
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Adjuvant after excision
After surgical removal, PDT can clear the surrounding skin area of subclinical residual lesions, as recurrence prophylaxis.
The system
dermalight daylight PDT®.
A standardised light source for daylight PDT in the practice, with a controlled spectrum and reproducible dose. Usable year-round, regardless of weather and season.
System
dermalight daylight PDT®
Specially developed light source with a standardised visible-light spectrum (400–700 nm). Reproducible light dose per treatment, compact design for integration into everyday practice.
DatasheetIncluded in delivery
What you get
- Light source with control unit
- Treatment protocol templates
- User training before commissioning
- Patient information material
- Service & calibration within the contract scope
- Phone support directly from the manufacturer
In comparison
Conventional PDT vs. daylight PDT.
Both procedures work on the same principle, but the daylight variant offers decisive advantages for patient and practice.
| Criterion | Conventional PDT | Daylight PDT (dermalight) |
|---|---|---|
| Light source | Red-light lamp (narrow spectrum) | Visible light 400–700 nm |
| Incubation time | ~3 hours | ~30 minutes |
| Irradiation time | 8–15 minutes intensive | ~2 hours passive exposure |
| Pain perception | Often severe | Significantly lower |
| Patient compliance | Medium | High |
| Treatable area | Locally limited | Large areas possible |
| Weather-dependent | No | No (indoor light source) |
| Practice occupancy | Concentrated (patient stays at the device) | Lower (patient sits relaxed in the room) |
FAQ
Answers in brief.
What exactly are actinic keratoses?
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly skin changes caused by chronic UV exposure. They are considered precancerous, i.e. a precursor to a possible squamous cell carcinoma. Timely treatment is strongly advised, especially for multiple lesions in the area of the "sun terraces" (forehead, scalp, backs of the hands).
How does daylight PDT differ from conventional PDT?
Both use the same principle of action (photosensitiser + light) but differ in light source and duration. Conventional PDT irradiates intensively with red light for 8–15 minutes, which is painful. Daylight PDT exposes for ~2 hours with a gentler, broader spectrum, much better tolerated at the same efficacy. Our indoor lamp replaces real sunlight, which is often not reliably available in our latitudes.
How does a treatment work in practice?
Preparation of the skin, application of the photosensitiser, short incubation. The patient then sits relaxed for about 2 hours in the treatment room under the dermalight daylight PDT® lamp. Reading, tablet, audiobook: anything is possible. After exposure, the treated area is cleaned and provided with sun protection.
How painful is the treatment?
Considerably more pleasant than conventional PDT. Most patients describe a mild sensation of warmth or slight pressure, rarely pain. This is one of the main advantages of the procedure and a key reason for the high patient compliance.
How many treatments are needed?
A single session per area is often sufficient. For pronounced field cancerisation or thicker lesions, a second treatment after 3 months may be advisable. The exact plan is set individually by the treating dermatologist.
What after-effects should be expected?
Typical are temporary redness, mild swelling and crust formation in the treated areas, usually over 7–10 days. The treated areas must be consistently protected from sunlight for 48 hours. After that, normal skin care is possible.
What requirements must my practice meet?
A room that can be darkened, with sufficient space for patient and lamp, a trained medical assistant for the application, and the dermatological indication. We are happy to advise on the spatial integration and provide training for the practice team directly on site.
Downloads
Datasheets, manuals, certificates.
PDF · Datasheet
dermalight daylight PDT®
Technical specifications, dimensions, light spectrum, connection values.
Download
PDF · Protocol
Application protocol for the practice
Step-by-step guide for daylight PDT in the practice.
Download
PDF · Patient info
Patient information sheet
Clear information for patients before and after treatment.
Download
PDF · Certificate
CE conformity
Current CE declaration of conformity for the daylight PDT® system.
Download
Contact form
Write to us.
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Advice
Integrate daylight PDT into your practice.
We advise you on spatial integration, user training, billing and patient communication, free and without obligation. With experience from over 50 years of light medicine.
Phone
08151 74914 – 0
Email
medizin@hoenlemedical.com
Availability
Mon–Fri · 8 am–5 pm
Address
Tutzinger-Hof-Platz 3
82319 Starnberg
82319 Starnberg