Treatment FAQ

levulan kerastick how long before i can shave my face after the blu treatment

by Rhiannon Anderson I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

All men must please shave their face the day of the procedure. Following treatment, no shaving with a razor blade until 5 days following treatment. You may use an electric razor 3 days following treatment if desired. weeks prior to treatment.

Full Answer

How long does Levulan kerastick need to sit on lesions?

LEVULAN KERASTICK will need to sit for 3 hours on lesions of the upper arms, forearms, and hands, and 14-18 hours on lesions of the face or head. + How do I know if my dermatologist has BLU-U?

What is Levulan kerastick + Blu-U treatment?

LEVULAN KERASTICK + BLU-U is the only PDT approved to treat the upper extremities. It can be used on the face, head, upper arms, forearms, and hands. + Does BLU-U treatment hurt?

How long does Levulan take to work on skin cancer?

ANSWERS FROM DOCTORS (1) The actual skin cancer will turn dark and scabby for about 1 week. The main thing is to remember to keep the areas treated with the chemical Levulan out of sunlight for that day and 2 more days. The treatment time with PDT is a lot shorter and easier to tolerate than Carak.

How much aminolevulinic acid is in Levulan kerastick?

For topical solution: 354 mg of aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride as a powder in a plastic applicator device. Upon mixture, Levulan Kerastick is a topical solution containing 20% aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (ALA HCl) by weight.

Can I shave after photodynamic therapy?

Men should not shave until the 3rd or 4th day after treatment, as skin may still be sensitive. water for 20 minutes every 4 to 6 hours or as needed to calm the heat. The area should be patted dry and Hydrocortisone 1% ointment or Aquaphor should be reapplied following the vinegar soaks.

What should I avoid after photodynamic therapy?

Again, you should avoid all direct sun exposure for 48 hours after your PDT light treatment. During the 48 hours after your PDT light treatment you may experience redness, swelling, and stinging of your treated skin, similar to the reaction that you might have with a bad sunburn. Your skin may feel hot.

How long do you have to wait after blue light treatment?

You will need to wear a special protective sunscreen for 48 hours and avoid any outside activity for 48 hours. 1. AVOID direct sunlight/sun exposure 48 hours after your blue light treatment. Wear your beautiful wide brim hat and stay indoors as much as possible.

How do I take care of my skin after photodynamic therapy?

Shower and wash the area immediately and as often as needed. Gently wash the area with soap and water two to three times a day, and apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to the area. Avoidance of harsh or abrasive cleansers is advised. Picking or scrubbing the skin could cause severe irritation or scarring.

Can you shave after blue light therapy?

All men must please shave their face the day of the procedure. Following treatment, no shaving with a razor blade until 5 days following treatment. You may use an electric razor 3 days following treatment if desired.

What should I put on my face after photodynamic therapy?

Use a clean towel to pat your skin dry and avoid rubbing the area. Then, apply a moisturizer (such as Cetaphil, Lubriderm®, Aquaphor®, or Vaseline®) to the area to keep your skin moist. Storing your moisturizer in the refrigerator can increase the cooling effect.

How long does photodynamic therapy take to heal?

It usually takes around 2 to 6 weeks for the area to heal completely, depending on which part of the body has been treated and how big the area is.

How long does photosensitivity last after levulan?

Depending on the length of Levulan incubation and the amount of sun damage you have, you can expect to have a sunburn-like reaction that may last up to 5-7 days. Swelling, peeling, crusting and discomfort may occur.

Can I watch TV after photodynamic therapy?

You can watch TV as long as you are at least 5-8 feet away from the TV screen. Wear a thick layer of sunblock that has at least SPF 30 and contains Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide during the first 48-72 hours.

When can I wear makeup after photodynamic therapy?

Day 3 to 7: For those who wear makeup, you may begin applying makeup once you are healed. Most patients will have completed peeling after 7 to 10 days. The area may be a healthy pink for 4 to 6 weeks.

How long does it take for a reaction to go away after using kerastick?

Most of the time, these reactions will go away within a few weeks after using Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid solution). Talk with the doctor.

What to wear to protect skin from light?

Wear the proper covering like a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeve shirt, or gloves to protect the treated skin from light. Sunscreens will not help. Do not use sunscreen or other drugs on affected part. Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.

Can you wash your eyes with kerastick?

Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn). If you get Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid solution) in any of these areas, rinse well with water. Do not wash the treated part before you have the light therapy. You will need to protect your eyes during the light therapy. Follow what your doctor has told you.

Can you take levulan with kerastick?

You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid solution) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Can you use light therapy after a kerastick?

If you cannot have the light therapy after Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid solution) has been put on, talk with your doctor. Avoid bright light for as long as you have been told by your doctor. Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by the doctor.

Does Levulan Kerastick help memory?

Change in color of skin where drug is used. Memory problems may rarely happen with the use of Levulan Kerastick ( aminolevulinic acid solution) and light therapy. Most of the time, these memory problems go back to normal after a short amount of time.

What is Blu U treatment?

Blu-U Treatment for Skin Cancer with Levulan (PDT) The largest organ in the human body, skin is a sturdy defense that also is amazingly delicate. Skin regularly takes a beating from harsh sunlight, and when not properly protected, can develop lesions that are precancerous or cancerous. While skin cancer occurs more than any other cancer, ...

What happens if you put blue light on your skin?

Subsequent exposure of the infused skin areas to a special blue light causes a biochemical reaction between the Levulan and the affected skin cells. Ideally, this results in increased skin-cell turnover and the production of unblemished collagen that eventually restores skin to a healthier, more attractive appearance .

How does BLU-U work?

How does BLU-U with Levulan work for skin cancer? Topically applied aminolevulinic acid, known commercially as Levulan, penetrates the thin upper layer of skin called the epidermis.

How long does it take for a PDT to go away?

A few patients may experience a burning sensation, which typically fades away within 24 hours.

How long does it take for a stinging sensation to go away after a syringe?

A burning or stinging sensation that persists for longer than four weeks should be reported to your dermatologist.

How long does it take for a recurrence to show?

Some patients may experience a recurrence after six months, and other patients may see years go by without further problems. Each individual case must be evaluated and monitored during regular visits with a board-certified dermatologist.

Is Levulan a good treatment for cancer?

When combined with light therapy, Levulan is highly successful in treating the cancerous and precancerous growths. BLU-U Treatment for Skin Cancer Overview & FAQs. Pros and Cons of Photodynamic Therapy for Skin Cancer. As with any medically significant procedure, photodynamic therapy (PDT) carries its own profile of advantages and risks.

What is a levulan kerastick?

Levulan Kerastick is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) with blue light treatment (BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy or PDT) for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses (AK’s) of the face, scalp, or upper arms.

How long does it take for Levulan to dissolve?

Remove the Levulan Kerastick applicator from the KRUSHER and shake the Levulan Kerastick applicator gently for at least 30 seconds to completely dissolve the drug powder in the solution vehicle. The Levulan Kerastick topical solution must be used within two (2) hours of activation.

How many ml of kerastick is in one ampule?

The Levulan Kerastick applicator consists of a plastic tube containing two sealed glass ampules and an applicator tip. One ampule contains 1.5 mL of solution vehicle. The other ampule contains aminolevulinic acid HCl as a dry solid. Levulan Kerastick topical solution is prepared by crushing the glass ampoules and mixing the contents together.

How long after taking a sulfate can you use light?

The patient should be advised to avoid incidental exposure to intense light sources for at least 40 hours after ingestion. The consequences of exceeding the recommended topical dosage are unknown.

Can you use Levulan Kerastick with a BLU-U light?

Levulan Kerastick is not intended for use with any device other than the BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator. Use of Levulan Kerastick without subsequent BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator illumination is not recommended.

Can kerastick be used in milk?

There are no data on the presence of Levulan Kerastick topical solution in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant or on milk production . The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Levulan Kerastick topical solution and any potential adverse effects on the breastfeeding child from Levulan Kerastick topical solution or from the underlying maternal condition.

Is Levulan Kerastick a causal relationship?

Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Most voted positive review

I had MOHs surgery in August 2104 to remove two basal cell growths above my upper lip. My dermatologist found two actinic keratoses at my 6 month check up, and recommended this over the self applied topical creams. I was very nervous after reading the reviews here! My face was cleaned with alcohol, then the levulan was applied.

Most voted negative review

I agree with the many comments on this procedure. The pain during/after the procedure have been greatly minimized and ill explained. I was told to stay inside completely for 48 hours but was told/read MANY different precautions (for longer periods).

Shared reviews and ratings

Well just like everyone else I was told there would be some mild pain involved during and after the treatment. Honestly I can’t believe that this is allowed to be given to human beans at all. The pain and suffering I have gone through in the last week is unbearable.

How long does it take to get levulan on your skin?

Answered by Esta Kronberg, M.D. If you are treating actinic keratoses (pre-skin cancers) with the PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) it takes about 3-5 days. You will mostly be a little pink.

How long does it take for a keratosis to go away?

Answers from doctors (1) If you are treating actinic keratoses (pre-skin cancers) with the PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) it takes about 3-5 days. You will mostly be a little pink. If you are treating Basal Cell Carcinomas it takes about 7-10 days. The actual skin cancer will turn dark and scabby for about 1 week.

How long does it take to get rid of skin cancer?

If you are treating Basal Cell Carcinomas it takes about 7-10 days. The actual skin cancer will turn dark and scabby for about 1 week. The main thing is to remember to keep the areas treated with the chemical Levulan out of sunlight for that day and 2 more days. The treatment time with PDT is a lot shorter and easier to tolerate than Carak. PDT is a very nice way to treat sun damage, pre-skin cancers, and small non-melanoma skin cancers. If you treat your entire face with the Levulan you will need to be indoors for the remainder of the day and 2 more days. If you are spot treating lesions those areas could be covered with Band-Aids during the day. Also, if you are treating the whole face for pre-skin cancers you will also get some overall skin rejuvenation. The difference in the treatments is how long you keep the#N#Levulan on your skin before you go under the light.

How long does it take for a cancer to turn pink?

If you are treating Basal Cell Carcinomas it takes about 7-10 days. The actual skin cancer will turn dark and scabby for about 1 week. The main thing is to remember to keep the areas treated with the chemical Levulan out of sunlight for that day and 2 more days.

Is PDT better than Carak?

The treatment time with PDT is a lot shorter and easier to tolerate than Carak. PDT is a very nice way to treat sun damage, pre-skin cancers, and small non-melanoma skin cancers. If you treat your entire face with the Levulan you will need to be indoors for the remainder of the day and 2 more days.

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Side effects

  • Post-session side effects for treated areas may include skin-color changes, redness or swelling, bleeding or blistering, scaling or crusting of affected areas and itching or stinging sensations. A burning or stinging sensation that persists for longer than four weeks should be reported to your dermatologist. More rarely, Levulan may evoke a strong ...
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Indications and Usage For Levulan Kerastick

Levulan Kerastick Dosage and Administration

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Overdosage

  • Levulan Kerastick Topical Solution Overdose
    In the event that the drug is ingested, monitoring and supportive care are recommended. The patient should be advised to avoid incidental exposure to intense light sources for at least 40 hours after ingestion. The consequences of exceeding the recommended topical dosage are un…
  • BLU-U Light Overdose
    There is no information on overdose of blue light from the BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator following Levulan Kerastick topical solution application.
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