BLU-U PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY AND LEVULAN

Blu U Photodynamic Therapy is a non-invasive treatment for pre-cancerous skin lesions (actinic keratoses) and mild acne. It is used in conjunction with Levulan, (aminolevulinic acid), a substance that occurs naturally in the body. After it is applied and absorbed into the skin it is converted into a potent photosensitizer, protophorphyrin IX. Because Levulan absorbs into actinic keratoses and sebaceous glands it selectively targets them. The blue light then activates these protophorphyrins which leads to shrinkage of these tissues. By shrinking the sebaceous glands, acne is improved. Some redness and swelling can occur, lasting for a few days and exposure to sunlight or other bright lights should be avoided. One to four treatments are usually needed depending on the severity of the problem area.