Pre and Post Care PDT/Blue Light Treatment
Preparing for your appointment: *Please bring a broad brimmed floppy hat and large scarf to protect yourself from UV exposure on your way home from the appointment. During your treatment, the medical assistant will apply acetone to prep your skin, then your doctor will lightly scrape the thicker lesions. A medicine which makes the skin more sensitive to light will be applied to your skin and is typically left on for 1 hour. You will then spend ~17 minutes under the blue light. You may experience pain and/or itching while under the blue light. Your skin will likely turn red and focal areas will crust over within a day or two after the treatment. Redness, scaling, crusting may last 5-7 days.
Day 1 after treatment:
- Begin applying ice packs to the treated areas a few times a day. This will help keep the area cool and alleviate any discomfort, as well as help keep down any swelling. Swelling will be most evident around the eyes and is usually more prominent in the morning.
- It is very important to remain indoors and avoid direct sunlight for 48 hours. You should also avoid indirect sunlight (sitting near windows), bright indoor lights, and sitting too close to bright computer or TV screens.
- Take analgesics such as Tylenol or Advil if necessary.
- Apply bland moisturizers such as Cetaphil or Cerave followed by a broad spectrum spf 50 sunscreen such as Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
Day 2-7:
- You should avoid sunlight and try to remain indoors on Day 2. Remain indoors for at least 48 hours. The photosensitivity to sunlight is usually gone after 48 hours. 2. Continue to apply ice packs as needed to alleviate discomfort and swelling. Any discomfort usually subsides by Day 3. You may take a warm (not hot) shower 3. The skin will feel dry and tight. A good moisturizing cream such as Cetaphil or Cerave should be used. 4. Cool vinegar soaks may be applied, if desired, for additional soothing. Mix 1 Tablespoon white vinegar with 8 ounces cool water. Apply with a clean cotton washcloth for 5-10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours as desired.
Day 7 and after:
- You may begin applying makeup once any irritation has resolved. The area may be red for several days.
- The skin will feel dry and tight. A good moisturizer should be used daily. 3. Use a sunblock with an SPF 30 or more daily.. Please contact our office with any other concerns at 415-441-1670.
