Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Levulan for Acne & AK's (actinic keratosis)
The BLU-U® 4170 offers effective, non-invasive and pain-free blue light treatment for moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris, a condition affecting millions of adults, teens and children in the United States. Narrow band blue light causes a photodynamic effect within the pylosebaceous gland that kills P. acnes, the bacteria primarily responsible for acne vulgaris.
How The Blu-u Light Treats Acne Vulgaris
In the treatment of acne vulgaris, 417 nanometer (nm) blue light activates endogenous photosensitizers within the P. acnes bacteria. This creates a toxic bacteriocidal environment in the sebaceous gland that inhibits the obstruction of the sebaceous follicle and formation of acne lesions.
Blu-u and Levulan: The End to Actinic Keratosis
Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy (Levulan PDT) is an advanced treatment for actinic Keratosis (AKs), or rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin that can lead to skin cancer. Levulan PDT, a 2-part treatment course, is unique because it uses a light activated drug therapy to destroy AKs.
Levulan® Kerastick® Topical Solution is applied to the AK. The solution is then absorbed by the AK cells where it is converted to a chemical that makes the cells extremely sensitive to light. When the AK cells are exposed to the BLU-U® blue light illuminator, a reaction occurs which destroys the AK cells.
The short, 2-part treatment course is convenient and fits your lifestyle:
- Low downtime*
- No prescription to fill
- No daily medication to remember
- Excellent cosmetic response
- No scarring reported to date
*Patients treated with Levulan PDT should avoid exposure of the photosensitized lesions to sunlight or prolonged or intense light for at least 40 hours.
Since this therapy is considered not entirely cosmetic in nature (it does improve the physical appearance of the AK's - but it also removes them and prevents them from turning into cancerous lesions) - insurance companies have agreed to cover a large portion of the treatment. Let Dr. Reinertson and her staff set you up with a course of treatment and the information you will need to discuss this with your healthcare insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Levulan Kerastick used for?
The Levulan Kerastick for Topical Solution plus blue light illumination using the BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator is indicated for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratosis (Grade 1 or 2) of the face or scalp.
Who should NOT take Levulan?
Levulan Kerastick should not be taken by patients who have cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths at 400-450 nm, porphyria, or known allergies to porphyrins, and in patients with known sensitivity to any of the components of the Levulan Kerastick for Topical Solution.
Levulan Kerastick has not been tested on patients with inherited or acquired coagulation defects. There have been no formal studies of the interaction of Levulan Kerastick for Topical Solution with any other drugs and no drug-specific interactions were noted during any of the controlled clinical trials. It is possible that concomitant use of other known photosensitizing agents might increase the photosensitivity reaction of actinic keratosis treated with the Levulan Kerastick. It is important to tell your physician if you are taking any oral medications or using any topical prescription or non-prescription products on your face or scalp. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects include scaling/crusting, hypo/hyper-pigmentation, itching, stinging, and/or burning, erythema and edema. Severe stinging and/or burning at one or more lesions being treated was reported by at least 50% of patients at some time during the treatment.
What precautions should be taken?
Patients should avoid exposure of the photosensitive treatment sites to sunlight or bright indoor light prior to and at least 48 hours after blue light treatment. Exposure may result in a stinging and/or burning sensation and may cause erythema or edema of the lesions. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.
