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What is Blue Light Therapy?
Blue Light Therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy, is a noninvasive phototherapy procedure used to treat conditions that reside on the skin or just under it. It is an alternative treatment used for skin diseases such as actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), acne, and sunspots. When treating actinic keratoses, Blue Light Therapy is used in conjunction with the Levulan Kerastick, a photosensitizing agent that reacts with the light to destroy cancerous cells.
Blue Light Therapy is known to work as a proactive and preventative option for patients at high risk of skin cancer due to actinic keratoses. It can help reduce precancers and assists in photo-rejuvenation.
Non-invasive treatment of precancerous lesions
Treats acne
May require multiple treatment sessions
Will it treat my acne?
Blue Light Therapy has a phototoxic effect on acne-causing bacteria, meaning it causes a chemically induced skin irritation which, over time, removes acne from the skin. Blue Light Therapy has proven to work faster than other methods like medication or topical treatments.
Post Treatment
After a treatment session, your skin may be red, swollen, and/or mildly bruised and blistered. This is normal and should resolve within 7 days. Your skin may also be slightly crusted over, this is also a regular occurrence and should resolve within 14 days. Your skin will be sensitive to sunlight for several weeks after the treatment is completed. To ensure success and to prevent skin infections post-op, you should avoid direct sunlight on the treated area.
Our Blue Light Therapy Physicians
LAWRENCE E. BLANCHARD, III, M.D.
GEORGIA K. SEELY, M.D.
KIM M. PANZARELLA, M.D.
SUZANNE G. SPADAFORA, M.D.
CHRISTOPHER T. ALEMAN, M.D.
LISA C. EDSALL, M.D. PH.D.
ADAM A. MARTIN, M.D.
ANGELA M. SPRIGLE, M.D.
RAJ AGARWAL, M.D.
AMANDA K. SCHMITT, M.D.
ALYSON V. RIDPATH, D.O.
GABRIELLA J. MELSON, M.D.
Our Blue Light Therapy Advanced Practice Providers
JENNIFER D. BAUER, MPA, PA-C
RATHI BLANKENSHIP, MPA, PA-C
KRISTEN A. ALBRIGHT, PA-C
MICHELE R. RHOE, MPA, PA-C
SHELLEY B. WOODLEY, DNP, FNP-BC
SUZANNE N. WEST, MSN, FNP-BC
BROOKE E. HARMON, MPA, PA-C
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is blue light therapy?
Blue Light Therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy, is a noninvasive phototherapy procedure used to treat conditions that reside on the skin or just under it. It is an alternative treatment used for skin diseases such as actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), acne, acne scars, and sunspots.
How does blue light therapy work for acne?
How long does a typical blue light therapy session last?
How many sessions are usually required for noticeable results?
Is blue light therapy painful?
Are there any side effects associated with blue light therapy?
Can blue light therapy be combined with other acne treatments?
It is possible, but it depends on your skin conditions.
Is blue light therapy only for acne, or are there other uses?
Is blue light therapy suitable for all skin types?
Yes!
