Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy of Human Skin

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has become an important component in the treatment of human infection. This report highlights the scientific literature and clinical guidelines on aPDT in the context of dermatology and considers the treatment of skin infection in all settings now, and in the future. Antibiotic resistance, infection control strategies and technologies able to eradicate microbes without building up new resistance are considered, and their mechanisms of action are described. Published work and National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Technology appraisals (TA) and research recommendations within Clinical Guidelines were used to identify future applications for PDT. Nanotheranostics can include PDT and were found to be highly relevant, and so treatment combinations and their novel applications will be subject to TA and Randomised Clinical Trials (RCTs). The resistance of some microbes to antibiotics can be reversed through use of supplementary drugs, and so they are likely to remain a mainstay of treatment for skin infection.