Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved treatment for precancerous skin lesions. It is an in-office procedure in which a topical solution called Ameluz (aminolevulinic acid HCl gel) or (Levulan® Kerastick) is applied to the skin, then later activated by a light source in order to target precancerous cells. The PDT reaction is activated by a red or blue light source.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved treatment for precancerous skin lesions.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved treatment for precancerous skin lesions. It is an in-office procedure in which a topical solution called Ameluz (aminolevulinic acid HCl gel) or (Levulan® Kerastick) is applied to the skin, then later activated by a light source in order to target precancerous cells. The PDT reaction is activated by a red or blue light source.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved treatment for precancerous skin lesions.
It is an in-office procedure in which a topical solution called Ameluz (aminolevulinic acid HCl gel) or (Levulan® Kerastick) is applied to the skin, then later activated by a light source in order to target precancerous cells. The PDT reaction is activated by a red or blue light source. PDT can be used to treat precancerous spots and sun damage on many areas of the body such as the face, scalp, chest, arms, and legs. Although a single PDT treatment may yield excellent results, photodynamic therapy is best completed as a series of treatments.
Photodynamic therapy needs to be thoughtfully scheduled because it has downtime. Patients must remain indoors away from sun exposure and bright light sources for 48 hours following the procedure. The skin may peel or be red for approximately 7-10 days after PDT treatment. PDT without use of the topical medication is called BLU-U therapy. It can be used to target acne and excess oil production.
BLU-U Therapy
BLU-U therapy is a painless and safe in-office procedure to treat acne in teenagers and pregnant women. It can be safely combined with skincare and prescription acne regimens or can be used alone as therapy. BLU-U therapy helps treat acne by:
BLU-U therapy sessions for acne are performed in-office twice weekly for one month or weekly for 8 weeks. Patients sit comfortably with their face or other acne-affected body part close to a special blue light for approximately 15 minutes, wearing protective goggles over their eyes.
There is no pain, no peeling, no irritation, and no downtime with BLU-U light therapy.
BLU-U therapy for acne is not covered by insurance, but for more information on this 15-minute in-office procedure for acne discuss BLU-U with one of our knowledgeable providers.
Although the inflammation will be gone for the majority of patients at the end of the treatment series, there may be persistent redness where the inflamed blemish was located. This redness will dissipate in a short time or can be treated by other measures like peels and Excel V. Daily SPF and skincare is important to hasten this process and keep skin looking its best.
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