To learn more about photodynamic and UV light therapy to eliminate acne and for the treatment of other skin conditions, contact our Bay Area practice to schedule a consultation.
Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area
165 Lynch Creek Way
Petaluma, California 94954
Phone: (707) 762-5531
Fax: (707) 762-5976
500 Alfred Nobel Drive, Suite 245
Hercules, California 94547
Phone: (510) 741-7418
Fax: (510) 741-7456
Light therapy has been used for years to treat a wide range of skin conditions and diseases. Certain wavelengths of light can be used to target specific skin cells, while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. Our dermatologists offer phototherapy to treat psoriasis and eczema and photodynamic therapy for actinic keratoses and acne at our Bay Area centers.
In this procedure, Levulan is applied to the affected area with a special applicator. We then have you wait approximately 1 hour for the Levulan to be absorbed by the affected cells in your skin. You are then treated under the lamp for about 20 minutes. Your eyes will be covered and your skin may feel a little warm with possibly a slight stinging sensation under the lamp. Before you leave the office, your skin should be cleansed and sun screen applied. It is imperative that you stay out of the sun for the next 36 hours to avoid a sun burn.
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The FDA has approved photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. PDT kills the bacteria that cause acne. We usually use PDT to treat patients with inflammatory acne whose skin has become resistant to other treatments, are not good candidates for oral antibiotics, or cannot take Accutane. However, we also commonly use PDT to expedite treatment in patients who are on oral antibiotics but would like to see quicker and superior acne resolution. In our practice, we typically use it without the Levulan photosensitizer and most patients come in weekly for a series of treatments. The most common side effect is mild redness.
Many patients choose photodynamic therapy for a safe, non-invasive acne treatment at our Bay Area practice. To learn more about PDT for acne treatment, contact Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area to schedule a consultation.
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Photodynamic therapy is also used to treat precancerous actinic keratoses as an alternative to liquid nitrogen or Efudex cream. Many patients appreciate this newer treatment as the facial redness and crusting only lasts a few days as opposed to weeks with Efudex.
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Phototherapy is not to be confused with photodynamic therapy. Phototherapy use specific wavelengths of UVA or UVB light to calm various inflammatory conditions in the skin. Our practice features two phototherapy systems for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema. We have a state-of-the-art, fully-automated narrow-band UVB full-body phototherapy unit from Daavlin at our Hercules office. This lightbox is able to treat the entire body during one session. We also have hand and foot PUVA (psoralen+UVA) and narrow-band UVB units at both our Hercules and Petaluma offices.
Phototherapy is very effective for not only psoriasis and eczema, but also vitiligo, persistent itching, prurigo nodularis, and some forms of folliculitis.
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Psoriasis, a non-contagious skin condition that causes raised, red skin lesions with white scales, is often difficult to treat. The symptoms of psoriasis have been shown to improve after exposure to certain wavelengths of light during UV therapy. Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation as a local center of excellence in providing phototherapy psoriasis treatment for the East Bay and Contra Costa County.
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To learn more about photodynamic therapy (PDT) and Phototherapy, contact Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area to schedule a consultation. We will review all your treatment options with you.
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