| Clinical Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery, Dermatologist: diseases of skin, hair nails, acne, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin. Over 10 years of laser hands on experience! |
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Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are multiple small areas of sun-damaged skin that is precancerous. They occur most frequently on sun exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms. They range in color from skin toned to brownish or reddish scaly patches on exposed areas of skin. The patches are painless. AKs are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s radiation (may develop years after the person’s most intense sun-exposure). More than 10 million Americans have AK lesions, with the majority occurring primarily in fair skinned individuals. |
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If you have questions about the Levulan® PDT system, you are not alone. Here are some of the questions other patients commonly ask about this advanced treatment. |
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Will I feel any discomfort during the treatment with the Levulan® PDT system?
Probably. Although the Levulan® PDT system has been designed for less patient
discomfort, many patients do report some:
• Stinging and burning –At least 50% of patients experienced significant stinging and burning during the light treatment, usually plateauing in intensity at about 6 minutes.
• Swelling and temporary reddening –Almost all patients experienced this immediately following light treatment.
This discomfort usually occurs immediately following treatment, rather than in the weeks ollowing. Any swelling and redness will begin to subside soon after treatment and will be gone in a few weeks. In fact, some patients have reported that swelling is reduced even sooner. |
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How did patients feel about the Levulan® PDT system after treatment?
In clinical studies, 84% of patients who received treatment with the Levulan® PDT
system said that they would use it again. |
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What happens if I feel tingling during the 14 to 18 hours between the timeLevulan® Kerastick® (aminolevulinic acid HCl) for Topical Solution, 20% has been applied and the time I am treated with the BLU-U® light?
This means that the treated lesions are reacting to light.
• Avoid exposure to bright light both indoors and outdoors
• If tingling feeling continues, inform your dermatologist |
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If I wear sunscreen, will that be sufficient to avoid exposure to light?
No. After the application of the Levulan® Kerastick®, you must:
• Stay out of strong, direct light
• Stay indoors as much as possible
• When outdoors, wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats to avoid sunlight
• Avoid beaches, snow, or surfaces where strong light may be reflected
After the Levulan® Kerastick® has been applied, is there anything else I should do?
Be careful not to:
• Wash the Levulan® Kerastick® off your face or scalp
• Rub or touch the treated area excessively before treatment with the BLU-U® light
What should I do after the BLU-U® light treatment?
• Be careful to avoid exposure to the sun for a day
• Avoid extremes of temperature and wind (if possible)
• Avoid hot water or other potential irritants
After the treatment has been completed, what should I discuss with my dermatologist?
Be sure to ask your dermatologist about:
• The care, cleaning, and maintenance of the treated areas
• Any follow-up visits he or she recommends
• Ways that you can prevent sun damage in the future
• The use of moisturizing creams or lotions that might be appropriate after treatment
with the Levulan® PDT system
• If you have any questions at all about the Levulan® PDT system or your treatment with it, be sure to call your dermatologist or his or her nursing staff
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©Jozef Tryzno, MD, RVT, FASA, FASLMS, International Vein & Skin Institute. All Rights Reserved. |
