What are Actinic Keratoses?
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough-textured, dry scaly patches on the skin that are caused by excessive UV exposure such as sunlight. They can range in color from skin-toned to reddish-brown and can be as small as a pinhead or larger than a quarter. They occur most often on the face, scalp and ears.
Who is at Risk of Developing AKs?
Individuals with a higher likelihood of developing one or more AKs are those with:
- Fair skin
- Blond or red hair
- Blue, green or grey eyes
- Those over 40
- History of kidney disease or weakened immune system
- Daily long-term exposure to the sun
- Multiple severe sunburns early in life
*AKs develop as the result of years of sun exposure and are cumulative over time.
*Even if you didn’t suntan much, years of simple tasks can add up to significant damage (i.e. walking the dog, playing a sport, going to the mailbox).
When is the Best Time to Have Blue Light Therapy?
- Plan 2-3 weeks before attending important events – weddings, reunions, photos, etc.
- You will be in the office 1.5-2 hours for your appointment.
- Plan to stay out of the sunlight or direct light from the car window for 48 hours after treatment.
What Should I Purchase for my Appointment?
- Bring a wide-brimmed hat so you will have good coverage on your way home from your treatment.
- A gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer such as Cetaphil or CeraVe products.
- Sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 (ask your nurse about our EltaMD sunscreen line).
What Should I Expect During my Appointment?
- Your face will be cleansed using acetone to ensure all oils have been removed from the skin.
- A medicine called Levulan will be uniformly applied to your AK lesions.
- You will sit in the waiting room as the medicine soaks in, anywhere from 60-120 minutes.
- A blue lightbox will be positioned around your face or scalp and protective eyewear will be worn.
- The blue light treatment will take approximately 17 minutes.
What Does the Blue Light Feel Like?
- The blue light is of low intensity and will not heat the skin.
- During the treatment, you may experience sensations of burning, tingling, stinging or prickling of the treated AKs.
- The feeling of discomfort should subside as early as 1 minute after treatment. Any UV exposure within 48 hours after treatment can result in increased discomfort.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
- The AKs and surrounding skin may redden, swell and scale.
- Peeling and scabbing is expected and should resolve by 4 weeks.
- Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
Who Should NOT Have the Blue Light Treatment?
- If you have a cutaneous photosensitivity.
- If you have a diagnosis of porphyria.
- If you are claustrophobic when objects are enclosed around your face/scalp.
