Is Photodynamic therapy a good acne and rosacea treatment?

 Photodynamic therapy involves the pre-treatment with 8 aminolevulinic acid ( Levulan) before light treatment with the Blu-light or an equivalent  light source. In other words the Levulan kerastick is applied to the intended area, there is an incuatiion period of one half hour and then a light... more

PDT is a great treatment for acne and usually takes 4 treatments at 2 weeks apart at a cost of $350 per treatment. Levulan solution is applied to the skin for 45 minutes then a Blu U light is applied for 15-20 minutes. It is totally painless and very effective. You do look quite red for 2-3 days but... more

I have seen this treatment work well for acne and we use a system that employs Levulan and a special light (Called a Blu Light). The Levulan is absorbed by the skin and then activated by the light. This results in a significant decrease in bacteria and oil. Treatments are spaced out a month apart and... more

The only approved FDA indication for Blu Light is for the treatment of Acne WITHOUT levulan. However, most dermatologists, if using blu light to treat acne will do so with the addition of levulan. It is felt that the levulan which is photoactivated by the Blu light results in better treatment of acne than... more

While there is nothing that works better than Accutane, a series of PDT under the supervision of an experienced board-certified dermatologist can be a close second when combined with conventional therapies, e.g. oral/topical antibiotics, hormonal medication, topical acne creams. Photodynamic therapy otherwise... more