Continue to apply ice packs as needed to alleviate discomfort and swelling. You may take a shower. You may take analgesics. Any discomfort usually subsides by Day 3. You should avoid sunlight and try to remain indoors on Day 2. The photosensitivity to sunlight is usually gone 24 hours after treatment, but may last as long as 48 hours.
Can I use sunscreen after Levulan treatment?
Sunscreen will NOT adequately prevent excess activation of the drug applied to your skin for the Levulan treatment. You MUST avoid both direct and indirect sun and bright light exposure for 48 hours after treatment.
What is Levulan and blue light therapy?
PDT using Levulan and a proprietary blue light is currently FDA approved for the treatment of early skin precancers called actinic keratoses (rough scaly spots generally on sun-exposed skin). PDT is also known as "ALA/PDT treatment" or "Super Blue Light."
Can I Go in the Sun after applying Levulan kerastick?
After LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution is applied to your skin you should avoid sunlight or bright indoor light (such as examination lights, operating room lights, tanning beds, or lights that are close to you) for 40 hours. During this time, the treated areas of your skin will become sensitive to light.
What can I expect after Blu-U illuminator treatment?
After treatment, you may be a little red from the BLU-U Illuminator and your skin may feel like it has a sunburn. As your skin heals, you’ll notice the AK lesions gradually becoming smoother. While you're waiting for your smoother skin to be revealed, here are a couple of things to help with potential sensitivity and redness:
Can I shower 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.
What can you not do after blue light therapy?
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. Remember that sunlight can penetrate through car and home windows.
What should I avoid after photodynamic therapy?
For 48 hours after your treatment, don't expose the treated area to bright light. This includes avoiding: Direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight.
How do I take care of my skin after photodynamic therapy?
You MUST avoid both direct and indirect sun and bright light exposure for 48 hours after treatment. Apply gentle moisturizer twice daily or as needed for dry irritated skin. over-the-counter Hydrocortisone (Cortaid) to decrease inflammation as well as Aloe Vera with lidocaine.
Can I shower after blue light treatment?
Day of Treatment: You will be placed under the Blue Light or Red Light for approximately 16 minutes. Remain indoors as much as possible over the next 48 hours. You may shower and gently cleanse the treated area.
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.
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.
How long does it take for skin to heal after PDT?
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 it take for blue light therapy to heal?
Side effects of blue light therapy Most people heal within 7 days, and the crusting resolves within 3 to 14 days. If light-sensitive drugs are used for photodynamic therapy, as is the case in most cases, your skin will be very sensitive to light for several weeks after the procedure.
What can I do after PDT?
Immediately after your PDT If you're feeling any discomfort after your PDT, we recommend that you keep the treatment area cool with ice packs and cold compresses and take over-the-counter medications like Advil® or Tylenol® as needed.
Will my face peel after PDT?
On the fourth through sixth days after your PDT light treatment your skin will start to peel.
What does skin look like after blue light treatment?
The treated area of the skin is usually quite red and may appear to be flaking or peeling, as it would after a mild sunburn. The redness, and perhaps some of the flaking, can last for several days to a week or even two weeks. (After that, skin returns to normal.) The area will also be more sensitive to light, so Dr.
Where can I find before and after photos of skin cancer patients treated with Blu-U with Levulan?
Sun Pharma, the makers of Blu-U and the Levulan Kerastick, have before and after photos of patients treated for actinic keratosis. Many patients have shared their stories and photos on RealSelf.com, showing a 92% “worth it” rating from patients treated with PDT with Levulan for skin cancer.
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. Approximately two millimeters thick, this layer of skin may develop common skin lesions such as acne vulgaris, actinic keratoses, and basal-cell carcinomas. 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.
Who is a candidate for BLU-U with Levulan for skin cancer?
Levulan is suitable for many patients who have actinic keratoses, a precancerous growth.
How long does the BLU-U treatment for skin cancer take?
The actual PDT session takes about 4 to 15 minutes, but each office visit might last perhaps half an hour to an hour.
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, ...
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 dermatologist to see improvement?
A week to ten days should reveal any improvement, but each patient is different. The attending dermatologist can answer any questions about individual cases. Sometimes, significant improvements may not show clearly until after several sessions.
How long after a blue light treatment can you get red?
Avoid direct sunlight for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Blue Light therapy makes the skin more sensitive, and sun exposure could cause redness and irritation.
How long does it take to recover from blue light therapy?
Most patients will be able to return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours after therapy, and possibly even the same day of the treatment.
What are the side effects of blue light therapy?
The after effects of a Blue Light therapy session can be mild swelling, redness, dryness and tenderness of the treated area. Over the counter pain medications may be used, as well as ice packs for swelling and bland facial lotions or Vaseline for any dryness.
What is blue light therapy?
Blue Light therapy is a form of acne treatment that destroys the bacteria that cause acne.
How long after a blue light treatment can you return to the doctor?
If you cannot return for blue light treatment on schedule, avoid sunlight and bright indoor light for at least 40 hours after LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution has been applied.
What is the best treatment for AK lesion?
Your dermatologist will apply LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution onto the AK lesion that’s being treated.
What is the treatment for AK?
LEVULAN KERASTICK is a prescription medicine used on the skin 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.
What is the best treatment for actinic keratoses?
By uniquely combining a prescription medicine used on the skin with the power of blue light therapy, LEVULAN KERASTICK + BLU-U can eliminate minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses (AKs) of the face, scalp, or upper arms. A brighter future for your skin is possible.
What is the best topical solution for AKs?
If you don't want the hassle of daily topicals and are looking for a treatment for minimally to moderately thick AKs that can be done right in your dermatologist's office without scarring, LEVULAN KERASTICK for topical solution, 20% + BLU-U may be a good option for you.
What is the first PDT approved treatment for the face and scalp?
As the first and only PDT approved to treat the face and scalp as well the upper extremities—including upper arms, forearms, and hands—LEVULAN KERASTICK + BLU-U is a treatment that has been trusted and proven for more than 20 years.
How long does it take to soak in a LU-U illuminator?
Treatment with the BLU-U Illuminator takes only 16 minutes and 40 seconds, but you’ll need to allow the LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution to soak into your skin beforehand. 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.
Risks
Uses
- Levulan is suitable for many patients suffering from actinic keratoses (a precancerous growth) and early-stage basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas.
Treatment
- Depending on the nature and location of the affected areas, the attending dermatologist might anticipate discomfort by proactively applying a topical anesthetic cream. For a few patients, facial nerve blocks might be more appropriate.
Diagnosis
- A week to ten days should reveal any improvement, but each patient is different. The attending dermatologist can answer any questions about individual cases. Sometimes, significant improvements may not show clearly until after several sessions.
Prognosis
- Results vary widely among patients. 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.
Cost
- Since this is a medically necessary treatment for skin cancer or precancerous growths, your insurance should cover at least a portion of the cost, making this an affordable procedure. We will help you look into your coverage to help you make the best choice for you.
Contraindications
- Levulan-assisted photodynamic therapy is not for everyone. Certain types of skin cancer, like melanoma, should not be treated with Levulan and PDT. Porphyria patients, patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus and individuals who are allergic to porphyrins, aminolevulinic acid or certain other medications may require alternative treatment methods. Individuals who ar…
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 reaction in a few individuals. Patients ex…
Society and culture
- DUSA Pharma, the makers of Blu-U and the Levulan Kerastick, have before and after photos of patients treated for actinic keratosis. Many patients have shared their stories and photos on RealSelf.com, showing a 92% worth it rating from patients treated with PDT with Levulan for skin cancer.
Results
- To learn more about this therapy, please contact us for a consultation. During this time, we will go over your medical history and answer your questions to set up a personalized skin cancer treatment plan.