For which condition is photodynamic therapy primarily used?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is primarily used for treating actinic keratoses, which are precancerous skin lesions that can develop due to prolonged sun exposure. This form of therapy utilizes a combination of a photosensitizing agent and a light source to target and destroy abnormal skin cells.

In the procedure, the photosensitizer is applied to the skin, and after a certain incubation period, a specific type of light is used to activate the agent. This activation produces a chemical reaction that selectively targets and eliminates the abnormal keratinocytes associated with actinic keratoses while sparing the surrounding healthy skin.

Other options, such as skin tightening, hair removal, and wrinkle reduction, do not utilize photodynamic therapy as a primary treatment. These conditions often rely on different modalities, including lasers, radiofrequency, or other aesthetic treatments not involving the photodynamic process. Therefore, the primary use of photodynamic therapy in treating actinic keratoses demonstrates its effectiveness in addressing specific lesions and ensuring the prevention of potential skin cancer development.