Activated Blue Light Treatment

Studies have shown having one to two treatments, done 8 weeks apart, can reduce the number of pre-cancers by about 70%. The skin is pretreated with a chemical called Aminolevulenic Acid (5-ALA) for an hour. Then a special light source emitting Blue Light is used to activate the 5-ALA that has attached itself to the damaged skin. After the treatment, the skin may feel mildly sunburned and may look pink or red with some crusty areas for about a week. The skin is expected to heal smoothly when taken care of as directed by your doctor. This may vary based on your plan and you are responsible to understand what your plan covers. You should check with your insurance company if they will cover the treatment prior to having the treatment done.

After Treatment Care

After any activated treatment you must remain indoors in a dimly lighted area for 36-48 hours. Having for light exposure, especially outdoor light exposure and/or light through a car window, you may develop more adverse effects like sunburn, ect. The face should be cared for as instructed with cool compresses and extra moisturization such as Aquaphor, DML Lotion, Vaseline Etc. for as long as necessary to allow the skin to heal thoroughly. A sunscreen with a SPF 30+ should be used daily and reapplied often. If you must go outdoors pick a very early hour/after sundown and always wear protection from sunlight.

Activated Blu-Light Treatments & Useful information

Are there any precautions I should take after the treatment?

Almost all patients experience some temporary reddening of the skin and in some cases crusting. Crusting is more prevalent in the treatments requiring longer light exposure. Some patients experience temporary swelling and itching. It is very important that you avoid bright light for 36-48 hours after the treatment and that includes the avoidance of light through windshield or window. Wear light-protective clothing, broad brimmed hats and SPF 30+ sunscreen after the 48 hours immediately post-treatment. Healing is usually complete at 2-4 weeks post treatment.

What will I experience during the treatment?

During the period of light exposure (17 minutes), some patients feel a stinging and/or burning in the treated areas. Usually this improves after the treatment or ends within 24 hours.

Is there anything my Doctor should know before I begin treatment?

Are you currently or do you have a history of:

• Porphyria or known allergies to Porphyrin(s)
• Known allergies to any medication (Ameluz, Levulan) and all other allergies
• Active pregnancy or breast feeding
• Photosensitivity
• Inherited and/or acquired blood-clotting disease

How effective is this treatment?

The Levulan PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) has been proven effective in clinical testing. Over 70% clearing of AKs after two treatments done two months apart has been documented.

Frequently asked questions for the Activated BLU-U Procedure

If you have any questions about the Activated Blu-U Procedure, you are not alone. Here are some of the questions other patients commonly ask about this advanced new treatment.

Will I feel any discomfort during the Blu-U treatment?

• Patients may experience stinging and burning during the light treatment, usually plateauing in intensity at about 6 minutes and subsiding soon after the treatment with the potential to last up to a few week (s).
• Almost ALL patients experience swelling and reddening almost immediately following the light treatment and dissipating within a couple of days post treatment.
• Discomfort will usually occur immediately following the treatment, rather than in the week(s) following a treatment.

If I wear sunscreen, will it be sufficient to avoid exposure to light?

After your treatment you MUST:

• Stay indoors for 48 hours
• After 48hours, wear SPF 30+, protective clothing and wide brimmed hats
• Avoid surface area(s) and locations where strong sunlight can be reflected such as a snow, water and other natural artificial reflectors

What should I do after the Blu Treatment?

• Avoid ALL sun exposure for 48 hours
• Avoid extreme temperatures, extreme hot water, possible skin irritants and wind if possible

After the Treatment is completed, what should I discuss with my Dermatologist?

• Post care of all treatments site(s)
• Cleansers, SPF 30+, Moisturizers
• Follow-up visit recommendations