title: A plant-derived anti-nociceptive spray for reduction of pain with photodynamic therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Photodynamic therapy is an effective tool in the management of some forms of skin cancer and generalized solar dermopathy and can be beneficial in the management of acne vulgaris. When used as an area treatment one of the main limiters is the quite severe burning pain that patients feel during the illumination phase of the treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effectiveness of a plant derived anti-nociceptive spray applied prior to and during large area photodynamic therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A split face or left arm versus right arm, placebo controlled trial was performed on 60 patients to assess the effectiveness of the spray in reducing pain perception.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant reduction in pain at all illumination points during the illumination phase but no significant difference in discomfort levels in the first 72 h post illumination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Only large area photodynamic therapy treatment was performed during the study. No conclusions can be drawn for small area treatments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of a simple, plant derived anti-nociceptive spray can reduce the discomfort experienced by patients undergoing photodynamic therapy to large areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. Electronic address: drbill@skinalertpp.com.au.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Anseline
authors.affiliation: PO Box 4448, Ashmore 4214, QLD, Australia. Electronic address: douglas@djgcosmetic.com.au.
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grose
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. Electronic address: pksm@mac.com.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: 105 East Street, Rockhampton 4700, QLD, Australia. Electronic address: napierdoc@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.affiliation: Level 1, 10 Marine Terrace, Burnie, TAS, Australia. Electronic address: pdttas@cmct.com.au.
authors.forename: Alfonse
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Messieh
authors.affiliation: Logan Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: Tania14@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Billing
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000336:Aerosols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D000700:Analgesics; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
keywords: Acne vulgaris; Actinic keratosis; Anti-nociceptive; Epidermal dysplasia; Field cancerisation; PDT; Pain; Photodynamic therapy; Skin cancer; δ-Aminolevulinic acid