The Role of Diet in Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratosis

A 2019 study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment recently examined photodynamic therapy (PDT) for actinic keratosis (AK) in vegan and omnivore patients to determine the role of diet on skin healing. 

PDT is approved for AK, with a complete skin healing time estimated between 5 to 10 days. However, the role of nutrition as an influence on skin healing has not been evaluated, according to the study authors.

The study, which consisted of 30 omnivore and 30 vegan patients, were treated with PDT for AK and then compared at 3-, 7-, and 30-days post-treatment for any adverse effects according to local skin response (LSR). After each post treatment visit, the healing time and adverse events [AEs] were evaluated.

Results of the study showed that at day 3, 7, and 30 post treatment, the vegan group showed a higher LSR score (p = .008, p < .001, p < .001, respectively), with higher edema and vesiculation at day 3 (p < .001, p = .002, respectively), erythema, desquamation, edema, and vesiculation at day 7 (p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, respectively), and erythema and desquamation after 30 days (p < .001, p < .001, respectively).

“The difference of complete skin healing was statistically significant (p < .001),” the authors wrote.

They concluded that the study suggests diet may have a prognostic and predictive role on PDT adverse effects and time of skin repair.

Disclosures:

The authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Reference:

Fusano M, Zane C, Calzavara-Pinton P, Bencini PL. Photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis in vegan and omnivore patients: the role of diet on skin healing. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2021;32(1):78-83. doi:10.1080/09546634.2019.1618433.