What is Blue Light Therapy?
Blue Light Therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy (PDT), is a treatment for precancers known as actinic keratoses. Actinic keratoses (AKs) can develop into a type of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma. AKs are commonly found on the head, neck, and arms. However, they can occur anywhere on the body that has been exposed to UV radiation.
Blue light therapy is used to treat existing AKs, as well as those that can’t be seen yet. In this way, Blue Light can be used as a prevention for further skin cancers. Blu-U blue light therapy utilizes energy-releasing technology to improve the health of the skin by breaking up and destroying precancerous cells. A topical photosensitizer known as aminolevulinic acid is applied to the skin and taken up by precancerous cells. Exposure to blue light then activates the agent, destroying the precancerous skin cells.
Blue light therapy also works in treating acne. It does this by targeting and killing the bacteria that causes acne. This can help avoid the use of oral antibiotics, which can have side effects. It can also be used in conjunction with other therapies to maximize treatment outcomes.
Spyglass Dermatology, with locations in Stuart and Tequesta, FL, provides Blu-U blue light therapy at the recommendation of Dr. Ryan Alan Schuering as an advanced therapy proven to help treat and rejuvenate our patients' skin.
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What Are the Benefits of Blue Light Therapy?
Blu-U blue light therapy performed at Spyglass Dermatology is an effective way to treat precancerous actinic keratoses before they develop into skin cancer. Additionally, Blu-U treatments can be used as a preventative measure. Benefits of blue light therapy at our Stuart, FL clinic include:
- Effectively treating actinic keratoses before they become squamous cell carcinoma
- Starves precancers of oxygen needed to survive
- Can be used as a preventative therapy for AKs and acne
- Noninvasive and requires no downtime
- Treatments are not painful
- Blue light is safe
- Your results should improve as you have more sessions
Am I a Candidate for Blue Light Therapy?
An ideal candidate for Blu-U light therapy is an individual who has significant sun damage, development of actinic keratosis, or a history of non-melanoma skin cancers (squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas). Patients who have a health condition in which they are sensitive to light are not good candidates. Before undergoing treatment, Dr. Schuering will help you understand how blue light therapy technology may help you reach your health goals.
How is Blue Light Therapy Performed?
Blu-U blue light therapy works by first applying a light-sensitizing chemical solution to the skin area that needs treatment and then exposing the area to blue light. The photosensitive chemicals, which have been absorbed into the skin, react with the blue light's wavelength. Blu-U is then able to destroy potentially precancerous or cancerous skin cells.
What Can I Expect After Blue Light Therapy?
After the therapy, a soothing lotion will be applied to your skin. Dr. Schuering will also give post-treatment care instructions and might advise limited exposure to the sun. Common reactions include redness, swelling, stinging, and burning. The skin heals over the next few weeks, resulting in skin that is more cleared of precancerous lesions. Sun exposure should be avoided post procedure, as the photosensitizing agent will react to sunlight. At Spyglass Dermatology, Dr. Schuering will suggest the recommended number of treatments to achieve your preferred outcome.
Blue Light Therapy FAQ
Where can blue light therapy be used on the body?
Several areas of the body can be treated with blue light therapy, including the face, neck, ears, and scalp. Additionally, Blu-U is the only PDT that is FDA-approved for use on the upper extremities. During your consultation at Spyglass Dermatology, Dr. Schuering will evaluate your skin and determine if blue light therapy may be ideal for you.
How many blue light therapy treatment sessions will I need?
The number of blue light therapy treatments needed may vary between patients. Treatment sessions may also be dependent upon your desired results. A customized treatment plan with an accurate number of sessions will be created specifically for your needs and goals.
How effective is blue light therapy?
Blue light therapy can eliminate around 40 – 75% of actinic keratosis with every treatment session. After eight weeks of treatment, 66% of patients had been cleared of all actinic keratosis, with 72% being cleared after twelve weeks.
Reduce Your Cancer Risk And Give Yourself Glowing Skin
Blue light therapy with Blu-U uses state-of-the-art technology to destroy cancerous skin cells and improve the skin’s health. To find out more about blue light therapy and whether it is the therapy for you, call Spyglass Dermatology to arrange your consultation.