PDT and Levulan are terms that we typically use together. Our Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) treatments involve the use of Aminolevulinic Acid (Levulan or ALA as it is commonly referred to) with an accompanying Blu-U or Pulsed Dye laser treatment. To us, it sounds like both practices were suggesting the same... more
PDT vs Levulan w/ Blue light?
I am a 38 year old mexican female. I had a miscarriage 3 years ago, which most likely triggered cystic acne breakouts I get every month, around my period. About 6 months ago, I went on Doxycline and Spironalacton, which greatly controlled the acne, although I still get occasional whiteheads and blackheads.
I don't want to be on medication forever, so I consulted with my dermatologist, who suggested several treatments. One of these is PDT, but she's also worried about discoloration. I went somwhere for a second opinion, and the nurse said I should have Levulan with the DUSA blue light. She said she uses it on dark patients and has never seen anyone hyperpigment. What do you think about the blue light vs. PDT? Which should I go for?
2 answers to “PDT vs Levulan w/ Blue light?”
A: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation post PDT treatable and potentially preventable
Levulan with Blue light therapy is one of the two PDT modalities available in US currently. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) does occur not infrequently in darker skin type individuals, particularly if strict daily sun protection is not adhered to. However, in my clinical experience with greater than... more
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95 posts
5 Dec 2008
Levulan with blue light is a type of PDT. Physicians can prepare your skin prior to the PDT to remarkably reduce the likelihood of PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Other treatments for acne include light therapy and lasers. It may take a combination of therapies to control the outbreaks. The fact that you're on spironolactone which seems to help, indeed suggest a significant hormonal contribution to your acne. You may want to discuss the possibility of polycystic ovarian syndrome and definitively treating that if indeed you have it.