PDT Information

Your doctor has recommended Levulan PDT treatment.  It is usually recommended that you have this treatment once to twice a year if you have pre-cancerous growths. Levulan (Aminolevulinic acid 20%) is a naturally occurring, photosensitizing compound which has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pre-cancerous skin lesions called actinic keratosis.  Levulan is applied to the skin and subsequently “activated” by specific wavelengths of light.  This process of activating Levulan with light is called Photodynamic Therapy.  The purpose of activating the Levulan is to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing acne rosacea, acne vulgaris, sebaceous hyperplasia, decrease oiliness of the skin, and improve texture and smoothness by minimizing pore size.  Any pre-cancerous lesions are also simultaneously treated.  The improvement of these skin conditions (other than actinic keratosis) is considered an “off label” use of Levulan. Levulan will be applied to the skin for roughly 60-90 minutes prior to treatment.  Subsequently, the area will be treated with a specific wavelength of light (blue light therapy) to activate the Levulan.  The patient should avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours following the treatment, this entails wearing SPF at home and not going outside for any reason during daylight, due to photosensitivity. This treatment is not recommended if you are pregnant. Anticipated side effects of Levulan PDT treatment include discomfort, burning, swelling, redness and possible skin peeling, especially in any areas of sun damaged skin and pre-cancers of the skin, as well as lightening and darkening of skin tone and spots, and possible hair removal.  The peeling may last many days, and the redness for several weeks depending on the individual response to treatment.

LEVULAN PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. The application of Levulan and incubation times for this treatment are time sensitive; therefore, late arrivals will need to be rescheduled.
• Please arrive with clean, washed skin. Avoid lotions, sunscreens and make-up on procedure day.
• Please leave jewelry and valuables at home. There may be times when your personal items could be left unattended. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• When the face, neck, scalp or ears are treated, bring a wide brim hat and sunglasses (avoid baseball caps)
• When treating the hands and arms, bring dark colored gloves. Also wear a long sleeved shirt that may be rolled up to elbows.  Undershirts may also be worn with the a long sleeved shirt.
• When treating the legs, please wear loose fitting pants that can be rolled up above the knee.
• Please bring some form of entertainment while you wait.
• Please inform the nurse where the treatment areas are that you and Dr. Hooper or Dr. Jackson discussed.
• Please make sure the blue light is 2 inches away from the area meant to be treated.
• You must wear goggles at all times during the blue light treatment.

*Please let us know if you have any permanent cosmetics or facial tattoos. We will cover areas prior to the blue light treatment since there is a slight risk of the permanent cosmetic lightening.

Total Office Time Expectations

Face:  2 hours
Scalp, Ears, Neck:  2.5 hours
Chest:  3 hours
Arms and Leg 3-6 hours (You may leave the office for the incubation time as long as the treatment area is completely covered)

LEVULAN PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

• Remain indoors and avoid sunlight for 2 days. This includes driving /riding in the car and sitting by windows.
• Apply a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily
• Take analgesics such as Tylenol or Advil, if necessary for pain.
• Apply cool ice compresses if skin  feels warm
• Take Benadryl, as directed, if itching occurs. Do not rub or scratch the skin.
• Gently cleanse with Cetaphil, Cerave, or a gentle cleanser twice daily.
• To soothe dryness, apply Cetaphil , Cerave or Vanicream twice daily and before bed.
• The photosensitivity to sunlight is usually gone after 48 hours, but may last as long as 72 hours.
• You may resume your normal skincare regime with daily sunscreen use, and begin applying makeup or shave once the irritation has resolved.

Post-Treatment Expectations

• Mild/moderate/severe stinging and burning of the skin.
• Red and sensitive, similar to a sunburn. Redness may persist for a few days.
• Dryness and peeling will vary per individual. Peeling could persist for 3-5 days.

***EXTREME SUN AND INDOOR LIGHT SENSITIVITY FOR 48 HOURS! YOU MUST STAY OUT OF THE SUN COMPLETELY! ***

You may call the office at 504-895-3376 with any questions or concerns.