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.
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?
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.
How long does a typical blue light therapy session last?
1 to 3 hours depending on provider treatment orders.
How many sessions are usually required for noticeable results?
The amount of sessions depends on your skin type and skin conditions.
Is blue light therapy painful?
Yes, it can be uncomfortable for the first 5 to 10 mins of treatment when treating precancerous lesions (.actinic keratoses).
Are there any side effects associated with blue light therapy?
When combined with Levulan for actinic keratosis treatment, Blue light treatment may cause discomfort, burning, swelling, redness, and possible skin peeling, especially in sun-damaged areas. It can also lead to changes in skin tone, spots, and potential hair removal. Peeling may last for days, and redness may persist for weeks in case of an intense treatment response, similar to severe sunburn.
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?
Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), acne, acne scars, and sunspots.
Is blue light therapy suitable for all skin types?
Yes!
How can I determine if blue light therapy is right for me?
By meeting with one of our providers, we can help you to determine if blue light therapy is right for you.
Which providers at Dermatology Associates of Virginia can provide this service?
All of our providers here at DAV can order this treatment for patients.
