Photodynamic Therapy
When you seek acne treatment from a dermatologist you expect sound medical advice. When you choose our team, you get effective treatments performed by board-certified dermatologists using advanced technology. Photodynamic therapy is an effective acne treatment at our Miami area office that can be an excellent alternative to topical or oral medication. It also treats pre-cancerous changes of the skin called actinic keratoses. Our dermatology practice is dedicated to the health and beauty of your skin.
Clearer, Healthier Skin
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light therapy that combines BLU-U® blue light with a photosensitizing agent called aminolevulinic acid (ALA). PDT helps control acne by killing the P. acnes bacteria in the skin. This treatment also effectively eliminates actinic keratoses, which can develop into skin cancer. Because you will be seen by one of our board-certified dermatologists, you will receive a sound medical diagnosis along with a recommendation for treatment. If you are concerned about acne scars, you might consider fractional laser resurfacing or laser scar removal.
Your Treatment
When you arrive at our office for your BLU-U treatment, the ALA medication will be applied to the skin. After about an hour, you will put on protective eyewear and then sit in front of the blue light for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the ALA on the skin is exposed to the light, this photosensitive drug starts to react by attacking the acne bacteria or diseased pre-cancerous cells. Some patients may require more than one treatment.
Acne patients who want a more gentle option can use the BLU-U treatment without ALA medication but require 2 treatments a week for 4 weeks.