Photodynamic Light Therapy

PDT is a 2-step treatment procedure:

Step 1: Application of the Levulan Kerastick Topical Solution

• The providers will clean the recommended surface areas of the skin with Acetone.
• Levulan Kerastick Topical Solution will be evenly applied to your AK lesions.
• The topical solution will be left on the skin for an hour.

Step 2: BLU-U light treatment

• Protective eyewear should be worn during your BLU-U treatment.
• We will then expose the surface area to BLU-U light treatment and will take approximately 16 minutes, 40 seconds.
• Then the assistant will apply sunscreen to affected areas.

Expectations:

• The BLU-U light is of low intensity and will not heat the skin. However, during the light treatment, you may experience sensations of burning, tingling, stinging, or prickling of the treated AKs.
• Following treatment, the AKs and to some degree the surrounding skin may redden, and swelling and scaling may also occur. However, these effects are temporary and should completely resolve by 4 weeks after treatment.

Before treatment starts:

• Bring adequate sun protective items with you to your appointment such as a wide brim hat or an umbrella.

After treatment:

• AVOID sun exposure for at least 48 hours.
• Sunscreen will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers may be applied as needed.

Possible side effects:

• The most common side effects include scaling/crusting, skin discoloration, itching, stinging, and or burning, redness and swelling.