Did you know that sun damage can be reversed? With Blue light treatments in Annapolis, you can help prevent skin cancer. Photodynamic therapy is a great way to undo sun damage and help prevent skin cancer. Here’s how it works.
What Is It?
Photodynamic therapy, or blue light treatments, directs wavelengths of blue, fluorescent light to activate a special topical medicine. It selectively kills abnormal, potentially cancerous cells in specific areas.
“This treatment is a highly effective way to treat a broad area of sun damage,” says Dr. Hyland Cronin. In fact, on average it eliminates 40-75% of actinic keratosis in a single treatment. All with the power of light. There are no needles involved or surgery and the therapy can be performed in a single visit. Although some patients may need more than one treatment if there is extensive damage.
How It Works
There are three steps in the procedure. First the dermatologist applies a liquid photosensitizing agent to the treatment area. After the aminolevulinic acid is applied, you wait for a bit. During this incubation period, abnormal cells in the skin biochemically convert this substance into a naturally occurring substance called protoporphyrin IX. This is extremely sensitive to light. Milder cases may start with about 90-minute incubation whereas more serious cases will need a longer incubation period.
After your incubation period is over, you will sit in front of a u-shaped blue, fluorescent lamp for 16 minutes. You may feel a tingling or slight burning sensation, but this stops as soon as the light is turned off. The protoporphyrin IX absorbs blue light energy and converts it into oxygen free radicals. This damages and kills the abnormal cells without affecting the healthy cells.
Aftercare
After the treatment, you will likely have redness and slight stinging for a few days. We recommend using handheld fans, direct cold air, and cool water spritzes to help alleviate pain. You may also use ice packs and Tylenol to help with any discomfort.
What Can Blue Light Treat?
Blue light therapy is FDA approved for treating actinic keratoses, which are precancerous skin growths caused by sun damage. Think of these as precursors to skin cancer. While the chance of any single one turning into cancer is low, most people have multiple actinic keratoses in a single area. This means there is a significant risk of skin cancer in that area.
These growths may be red, pink, or flesh colored. They may be crusty or scaly, but they don’t hurt or itch.
Advantages of Photodynamic Therapy
Blue light treatments are more practical and effective than other AK treatments when there are multiple lesions. So, instead of treating 20 individual spots with excision or liquid nitrogen, field therapy allows you to treat all the spots at once. Furthermore, blue light therapy treats spots that aren’t yet visible to the eye.
What Areas of the Body Can be Treated?
The most common areas that we treat are the face, ears, and scalp but other areas can also be treated.
Am I A Good Candidate?
Blue light therapy is a great option for anyone with multiple actinic keratoses. If you are interested in this treatment, speak to our board-certified dermatologist to learn more about the process.
Does Insurance Cover Blue Light Therapy?
Many insurance plans do cover blue light therapy, but you may need prior approval before beginning the treatment.
Blue Light Therapy for Skin Cancer Prevention
Don’t let sun damage turn into skin cancer. Protect your skin and erase sun damage while lowering your risk of skin cancer with blue light therapy. Dr. Hyland Cronin is a nationally recognized board-certified dermatologist and specialist in skin cancer, Mohs micrographic surgery, and reconstructive surgery. She is ready to help you protect your skin. Contact Cronin Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center today to schedule a consultation.