BLU-U Light Treatment
Say hello to better looking, better feeling and healthier skin thanks to the BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator system available at Swan Dermatology & Aesthetics. An FDA approved treatment for sun-damaged skin, this compact light source is used in conjunction with an aminolevulonic acid (Levulan®) to help manage damaged skin.
The medical benefits of BLU-U® Light are well documented and can be used to treat actinic keratosis (or AKs). AKs are precancerous skin lesions that if left untreated, may develop into skin cancer. When used in conjunction with an aminolevulonic acid like Levulan® the procedure is known as Levulan Photodynamic therapy to treat:
- Severely sun damaged skin
- Enlarged pores
- Hyperpigmentation (also known as “age spots”)
- Precancerous sun spots (actinic keratosis)
- Enlarged oil glands (sebaceous hyperplasia)
- Irregular pigmentation
- Freckling and liver spots (Solar Lentigenes)
See the benefits, and how Levulan Photodynamic therapy works with this patient video direct from the manufacturer, DUSA®.
BLU-U® and Levulan® are registered trademarks of DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ®
What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
PDT is the use of light-activated drugs which produce singlet oxygen to treat diseased tissues. The drug undergoes a chemical reaction when light of a particular wavelength and intensity is applied, resulting in a therapeutic effect.
Is the BLU-U® a laser?
The BLU-U® is not a laser. The BLU-U® delivers fluorescent light scattered over a larger area. It also does not emit UV light.
Is it recommended that the patient have appropriate eye protection?
Yes. Although exposure to the light from the BLU-U® during a patient treatment is below the recommended maximum skin and eye exposure for blue and UV light, it is recommended that both the patient and clinician(s) wear blue-blocking eye protection while the BLU-U® is in operation for comfort and to further minimize eye exposure.
What is Levulan Photodynamic Therapy?
Blue Light (BLU-U®) is combined with a topical medication called Levulan in a procedure known as Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Photodynamic therapy for precancerous sun spots and other uses involves the application of Levulan ( 5-aminolevulinic acid), a medication which is then activated with blue light.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) also has the unique ability to reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne and improve the appearance of some acne scars.
Can Levulan Photodynamic Therapy be used for skin rejuvenation, precancerous sun spots, improvement of sun damage and skin cancer prevention?
Yes. Levulan Photodynamic Therapy using Blue Light can be used for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. This procedure results in significant improvement in precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis, sun damaged skin and potentially superficial skin cancers. Additionally it potentially prevents the development of skin cancer. Levulan is revolutionizing how we perform skin rejuvenation and how we treat sun-damaged skin.
Levulan is preferentially absorbed by precancerous cells. When combined with Blue light the Levulan kills the cancer cells, and leaves the normal skin unharmed. It is particularly effective for actinic keratosis on the scalp, face, arms and legs. It has the added benefit of skin cancer prevention—killing abnormal cells before they can become a dangerous skin cancer.
How safe is blue light? Are there any side-effects?
The BLU-U® treatment is very safe. The blue-violet light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the acne target, and is used without the application of Levulan. It only affects the P. acnes bacteria, not the normal tissue. It contains NO radiation and does not damage the skin itself. It has NO risk of causing cancer.