Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)  is an advanced 2-step treatment for sun spots that are pink, red, or rough. The system is unique because it uses a light activated drug therapy to destroy sun damage spots. This system consists of treatment with a medicine called Levulan Topical Solution and the BLU-U “laser.

How does Levulan PDT work?

When Levulan Topical Solution is applied to rough sun damaged skin, the solution is absorbed by the damaged cells where it is converted to a chemical that makes the cells extremely sensitive to light. When the sores are exposed to the BLU-U, this light causes reactions which destroy the bad cells.

Step 1:  Application of the Levulan Topical Solution

Your doctor will direct you to wait 45 minutes to two hours, in order to allow the solution to penetrate the target cells we mentioned earlier.

Step 1: The first step in photodynamic therapy is the application of the Levulan Topical Solution, to the sun damaged skin on your face or other areas, as evaluated by your dermatologist or other health care professional. This solution is an acid that occurs naturally in your body in a dilute form. It makes the sun spots more sensitive to light. This application prepares the sun spots for laser light treatment.

Step 2:  BLU-U Treatment

After your incubation period, you will receive a blue light treatment, which is the second and the final step in the treatment. The BLU-U treatment time is up to 16 minutes depending on your skin’s sensitivity.

Important Safety Information:

What is Levulan used for?

Removal of actinic  keratoses which are red rough scaly spots caused by sun damage.

Who should NOT have Levulan applied to their skin?

People who have photosensitivity to blue light, porphyria, or known allergies to porphyrins.

Levulan Kerastick has not been tested on patients with inherited or acquired coagulation defects. There have been no formal studies of the interaction of Levulan Kerastick for Topical Solution with any other drugs and no drug-specific interactions were noted during any of the controlled clinical trials. It is possible that concomitant use of other known photosensitizing agents might increase the photosensitivity reaction of actinic keratoses treated with the Levulan Kerastick. It is important to tell your physician if you are taking any oral medications or using any topical prescription or non-prescription products on your face or scalp. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects include scaling/crusting, itching, stinging, and/or burning, redness, and swelling. Severe stinging and/or burning at one or more lesions being treated was reported by at least 10% of patients at some time during the treatment.

What precautions should be taken?

Patients should avoid exposure of the treatment sites to sunlight or bright indoor light at least 24 hours after treatment. Exposure may result in a stinging and/or burning sensation and may cause a bad sunburn reaction. We recommend Blue Lizard or Anthelios sunscreen for two weeks minimum, after treatment.