Photodynamic therapy: new treatment for refractory lymphocytic infiltration of the skin

Lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (LIS) is a relatively uncommon skin condition, first described by Jessner and Kanof in 1953. LIS presents mainly on the face, in particular on the cheeks and earlobe, but also on the neck, upper trunk or proximal limbs of middle-aged adults. LIS is often resistant to treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) refers to the process of applying a topical prodrug, such as 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl 5-aminolaevulinic acid (MAL), followed by irradiation with visible or ultraviolet light. The prodrug is converted by target tissue to photoactive porphyrins, which lead to local tissue destruction when activated by light. We describe a 48-year-old woman with refractory LIS, who was treated with MAL-PDT.