Is this blue light treatment OK for forearms?

Our office uses PDT for arms on a regular basis.  We get great results and patients notice significant decrease in scaliness and precancerous lesions.  No treatment will keep your skin free of precancerous lesions forever, but this is a great way to treat  large areas to minimize further lesions later on.

PDT/Bluelight is okay and commonly used for forearms.  The classic location is the face and scalp.  However, forearms are a common site of actinic keratosis and sun damage, and PDT can be used to help this.  The levulan photostimulator is left on for a little bit longer often times that for the face and scalp, and then the forearms are exposed to the blue light for the appropriate amount of time.  This should help for actinic keratosis and the development of new actinic keratosis on the forearms.

Yes, I frequently treat actinic keratosis and cancers on the forearms, face, scalp and even lower limbs. In the US dermatologists use Levulan and blue, in Australia we use Metvix and red light. Video shows you how it is done. All the best,

Dr Davin Lim

Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist

Brisbane, Australia