The evolution of clinical guidelines for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of skin

Abstract

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy has become an important component in the treatment of human infection. This review considers historical guidelines, and the scientific literature to envisage what future clinical guidelines for treating skin infection might include. Antibiotic resistance, vertical and horizontal infection control strategies and a range of technologies effective in eradicating microbes without building up new resistance are described. The mechanism of action of these treatments and examples of their clinical use are also included. The research recommendations of NICE Guidelines on the dermatological manifestations of microbial infection were also reviewed to identify potential applications for PDT. The resistance of some microbes to antibiotics can be halted, or even reversed through the use of supplementary drugs, and so they are likely to persist as a treatment of infection. Conventional PDT will undoubtedly continue to be used for a range of skin conditions given existing healthcare infrastructure and a large evidence base. Daylight PDT may find broader antimicrobial applications than just Acne and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, and Ambulatory PDT devices could become popular in regions where resources are limited or daylight exposure is not possible or inappropriate. Nanotheranostics were found to be highly relevant, and often include PDT, however, new treatments and novel applications and combinations of existing treatments will be subject to Clinical Trials. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]