Photodynamic Therapy

Overview: Aminolevulinic acid is a photosensitizing agent that is applied to the skin and incorporated into rapidly dividing cells such as sebaceous glands in acne or precancerous/cancerous cells in sun damaged skin. After an incubation time of 30 minutes to several hours, the treated skin is exposed to visible light of a specific wavelength to stimulate the photo destruction of these rapidly dividing cells.

Expected Results: This photosensitizing treatment very effectively treats inflammatory acne, rosacea, sebaceous hyperplasias as well as precancerous conditions and superficial skin cancers.

Preparation: Levulan Kerastick contains a clear solution of aminolevulinic acid that is applied 30-60 minutes (acne) or several hours (cancers) prior to treatment with a light source.

Post treatment instruction: Sun exposure and fluorescent light exposure must be strictly avoided for 24-48 hours after the treatment as photosensitivity from the sensitizing agent persists for this amount of time.

Time to desired results: 2-3 treatments every 2-3 weeks for acne. Usually one treatment for precancerous conditions/skin cancers.

Contraindications: Sensitivity to aminolevulinic acid, photosensitizing medications.

Lasting results:  Many months with acne/rosacea, up to 10 years with skin cancer.

Downtime: Gradually diminishing redness and peeling for several days. Crusting occurs when skin cancers are present. Topical acne/rosacea treatments can be resumed when the redness has faded.