Efficacy of photodynamic therapy in controlling persistent scalp infections after temporal lifting: A case report

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Photomedicine

Background:

• Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms pose a significant threat to public health.
• Persistent skin infections, like scalp abscesses, can be challenging to treat with conventional antibiotics alone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of successful adjunctive treatment of a persistent scalp abscess using photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with antibiotics.
• To highlight PDT's potential in managing complex skin infections and combating antimicrobial resistance.

Main Methods:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was administered using 0.05% methylene blue in an oily base, applied intralesionally and topically.
• Treatment involved subsequent exposure to red LED light at 50 J/cm².
• The patient had previously undergone multiple unsuccessful antibiotic treatments.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced significant improvement and complete resolution of the scalp abscess after two PDT sessions.
• PDT demonstrated efficacy as an adjunctive therapy in a case of refractory infection.

Conclusions:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising adjunctive treatment for complex skin infections, particularly those involving antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• PDT may reduce inflammation and prevent the development of further microbial resistance.
• Future research should focus on developing non-staining photosensitizers for PDT applications.