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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a two-step (drug and
Blu-light) treatment designed to treat actinic keratoses.
Actinic keratoses are rough-textured, precancerous
lesions that if left untreated, may become skin cancer.
The first part of the treatment is
the application of Levulan® Kerastick® solution
to individual actinics. The patient then returns to
the office 3 hours later to receive light treatment.
Patients should not have this treatment
if they have a skin sensitivity to Blu-light, porphyrias,
allergies to chemicals called porphrins, or are pregnant
or nursing. You should discuss the possibility of
increased sensitivity to light while using this therapy
if you are on certain medications such as thiazides,
tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, griseofulvin, phenothiazines,
sulfonylureas, or sulfonamides.
Between the time of application of
the solution and Blu-light treatment, your actinics
will become photosensitive. Care must be taken to
keep the treatment areas protected from bright light.
Bright light includes but is not limited to outdoor
sunlight, bright indoor lights at close range, examination
lights and tanning beds.
Protective wear such as a wide brimmed
hats and a lightweight scarf should be worn around
the face to provide shade to the treatment areas.
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Pre-Photodynamic Therapy
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7 Weeks After Therapy
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