Photodynamic "Blue Light" Therapy

About Photodynamic "Blue Light" Therapy

The use of Levulan/Aminolevulinic Acid 20% with blue wavelength 405nm is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Actinic Keratoses or “precancerous” lesions. The benefit to preventatively reducing these lesions is to decrease the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma.

This treatment may also give additional benefits of minimizing pores, reducing oil glands, treating acne, reducing acne scars, as well as reducing the overall sun damage accumulation. It may result in smoother, softer skin and a more even skin tone.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Before Your Treatment Day

INVEST in sun protective gear that you will bring for the day of treatment
SCHEDULE 2 days to be isolated immediately after treatment in order to avoid direct and indirect sun
FREEZE cold packs or other comfort care requirements for at home, such as aloe gel, in the refrigerator
PURCHASE over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Aleve

Day of Treatment

CLEAN your skin to be treated with a mild cleanser
DO NOT apply lotion, moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup, aftershave, micellar water, acne treatments or any other “leave-on” product
BRING a wide brimmed hat or other physically protective clothing items, sunscreen of choice (at least SPF 45), and sunglasses (you will be provided a hat and sunscreen if your items are not satisfactory)
HAVE AVAILABLE something to occupy your time while you are “incubating,” if desired, such as reading material, your phone or crossword puzzles. If you are bored, we will find something for you to do!

Post-Treatment Instructions

What to Expect

The expected effect of the therapy is to see an intense “sunburn” like reaction, which may be red and itchy, with swollen skin that may develop scaling and scabbing. Peeling may also occur after 3-4 days. Over the next several days to weeks, you will see the skin heal with softer, smoother, and firmer texture, the appearance of less discoloration and uneven skin tone. Permanent scarring or disfigurement DOES NOT occur with this treatment. Not following instructions may result in unexpected outcomes.

Day of Treatment and 1 Day Following Treatment

WEAR sunscreen (SPF 45-55) and sun protectant clothing for your journey home
STAY indoors and away from windows
APPLY cold packs, high quality moisturizer all over, topical aloe gel to any burning or blistering spots. For severe reactions, apply a soft cloth moistened with a mixture of 1 Tbsp white vinegar in 1 cup of cold water for 20 minutes, 4-6 times a day.
TAKE over the counter pain reliever of choice as directed or desired
AVOID direct and indirect sunlight, picking or manually traumatizing skin, anti-aging or anti-acne topical medications or treatments, facials, masks, scrubs, astringents, toners, washcloths.
WASH 1-2 times daily with a mild cleanser and fingertips

Each Day After

WEAR sunscreen (SPF 45-55) and sun protectant clothing
APPLY high quality moisturizer throughout the day
WASH 1-2 times daily with a mild cleanser and fingertips
AVOID direct and indirect sunlight, picking or manually traumatizing skin, anti-aging or anti-acne topical medications or treatments, facials, masks, scrubs, astringents, toners, washcloths. Do not manually peel the skin or pick at the scabs.