LASERS & LIGHTS

Photodynamic Light Therapy

Discover a convenient way to treat your Actinic Keratosis (AK’s)

LASERS & LIGHTS

Photodynamic Light Therapy

Discover a convenient way to treat your Actinic Keratosis (AK’s)

Using light to treat skin disease is a unique feature to the Las Vegas Dermatology clinic. Now is the time to manage your sun damaged skin, frequent skin examinations and consultations are the keys to early detection and prevention.

What is Actinic Keratosis (AK)? AK’s are the most common precancer, usually presenting as rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin that can lead to skin cancer if left untreated. Actinic Keratosis has the potential to progress to Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). While most AK’s remain benign, a study has shown that approximately 10% develop into SCC within an average of 2 years. Since there is no way to know ahead of time which AK’s will develop into SCC, it is very important for individuals with AK’s to be under a dermatologist’s care.

The blue light treatment of a person

How it works

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.

BLU -U Photodynamic Therapy for Acne

Acne is a common skin disease, affecting people of all ages. At certain times of life, this process becomes very troublesome, and difficult to control, despite multiple therapies.

An innovative way to control moderate acne: 

  • In addition to Actinic Keratoses indication, Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy, ‘BLU-U’ is a non drug therapy for moderate acne.
  • There are many acne treatments to try and choosing the correct one can be overwhelming. If you have moderate acne and are uncomfortable taking antibiotics or are just unhappy with your current topical treatment results, consider blue light therapy using light without drugs or antibiotics. Blu-U may be the most reasonable treatment alternative for your acne.

Ask the Las Vegas Dermatology team if Levulan PDT is right for your specific skin condition!

Las Vegas Dermatology for a healthier and beautiful life

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

653 North Town Center Drive, Suite #414
Las Vegas NV, 89144 USA

Tel: (702) 456-3120
Fax: (702) 823-1069

Office Hours:

Monday – 8am – 5pm
Tuesday – 8am – 5pm
Wednesday – 8am – 5:30pm
Thursday – 8am – 5pm
Friday – 8am – 4:30pm