Adverse reactions of ALA-PDT for the treatment of cutaneous diseases: A retrospective study

•A retrospective a study were performed at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital to systemically investigate the detailed evidence of adverse reactions relating to ALA-PDT for skin diseases.•The study clarified the categories, incidence, severity, and correlation of the adverse reactions of ALA-PDT. Except for topical adverse reactions, ALA-PDT was also able to induce systemic reactions, such as fever and hypopigmentation.•Systematic elaboration of relevant adverse reactions based on this study could assist in prediction and management, representing a reference that could enable dermatologists to achieve higher efficacy and patient satisfaction.