Is Blu-U Light Treatment a Good Option for Age Related Sun Spots and Actinic Keratoses?

Question

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS · Answer

PhotoDynamic Therapy is a combination of Blu-U and Levulan PDT, a 2-part treatment, unique because it uses a light activated drug therapy to destroy AKs. How does it work?  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. We often combine lights; Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Blu-U which takes the treatment to the next level for photo rejuvenation.  The purpose is to treat the tissue at different depths to increase efficacy.  Great Treatment for age spots, AKs and also for Acne!

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid HCL for topical solution 20%) with BLU-U light is a form of photodynamic therapy (PDT) which is effective in treating minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses.  It is usually used on the face and scalp.
As always, an in-person consultation with a board certified dermatologist with cosmetic training is the best way to assess your needs and provide medical advice.

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Blu-U light treatment is good for controlling acne. But there are laser treatments that help improve sun spots and actinic keratosis.  I would recommend being treated under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist for safest and best treatment option. I hope this helps.

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

Actinic keratoses can become quite obvious and many patients will go to whatever lengths they need to to get rid of them.

	Light treatments alone can lift pigment, but you need chemical agents to truly obliterate the abnormal cells. Blu U, Vbea and other light sources are usually combined with a solution called levulinic acid. The solution is applied to the skin and is absorbed by the cells of the actinic lesions. Once the light or laser is used, it "turns on" the destruction mechanism of the solution.. 

	The solution is heavily absorbed by abnormal cells, so you get the benefit of the destruction of the actinic keratoses while not damaging the healthy skin.

	There is some downtime associated with pdt and you will need to stay completely out of the sun for a  two day period because the solution stays active for a while even after it is removed.

Peter J. Jenkin, MD, FAAD · Answer

If you are referring to the combination of Blu-U and levulan, it is an excellent option for both sun spots and actinic keratosis.  More than one treatment may be required especially if you're doing it for cosmetic improvement of the brown sun spots.

Is Blu-U Light Treatment a Good Option for Age Related Sun Spots and Actinic Keratoses?

Answers (6)

Answer: Sun spots and actinic keratosis are treated with Photodynamic Therapy

Answer: Sun spots and actinic keratosis are treated with Photodynamic Therapy

Answer: PDT

Answer: PDT

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Is Blu-U Light Treatment a Good Option for Age Related Sun Spots and Actinic Keratoses?

Answers (6)

Answer: Sun spots and actinic keratosis are treated with Photodynamic Therapy

Answer: Sun spots and actinic keratosis are treated with Photodynamic Therapy

Answer: PDT

Answer: PDT

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.