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BLU-UŽ Light Treatment for Acne
BLU-U® is a special blue light that can help to treat and control acne by targeting the acne-causing bacteria in your skin. It is NOT a laser treatment. In some cases, acne may be treated by combining the BLU-UŽ light therapy with the use of LevulanŽ, a unique topical solution made from a concentrated compound that occurs naturally in your body. This process is called photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does BLU-UŽ light treatment work? Patients sit in front of the light for short sessions. The light kills the bacteria that clogs the patient's pores and causes the acne. For treatments with LevulanŽ, a clinician will apply a solution to the patient's face and/or scalp and give it a chance to work before the light treatment. In these cases, the LevulanŽ helps to shrink the oil glands that cause acne. Who should have the BLU-UŽ light treatment? Patients with inflamed acne but no deep nodular or cystic components, and who wish to control their acne without use of internal drugs (antibiotics or Accutane) are good candidates for BLU-UŽ light treatment. Does the BLU-U® light treatment work? Most, but not all patients will see improvement in their acne. BLU-U® Light alone has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acne. If your acne responds, you can anticpate that the skin will stay clear for about six months. BLU-U® light combined with Levulan® is generally a more effective treatment, capable of clearing skin for up to one year. How long does each Blu-U® light treatment last? With BLU-U® light alone, each session lasts about 15 minutes. Most people have two sessions per week for about five weeks. When using the BLU-U® light with Levulan®, the full session lasts about two hours, including 30 minutes to one hour of wait time after the Levulan® application and 8-16 minutes of light exposure. Levulan® patients will generally schedule three treatments three weeks apart. Is the procedure painful? The BLU-U® light generally causes no pain or discomfort, nor does it feel hot. When the treatment is combined with Levulan®, patients may feel a slight tingling or burning sensation while under the light. This improves immediately after treatment.
How do I prepare for the treatment? Retinoids (Retin-A, Tretinoin, Differin, Tazorac, Renova, and Avage) should be stopped for three to four weeks before treatment. Doxycycline and Tetracycline should be stopped for one week before treatment. Patients with a history of reoccurring cold sores (herpes simplex) should take Valtrex 500 mg twice daily for three days before the treatment. The day of the treatment, do not apply any makeup. Before the treatment begins, you will be asked to wash your face with a gentle scrub.
How do I care for my skin between treatments? Patients using Levulan® must take precautions regarding sun exposure. For 48 hours following the treatment, you must remain indoors and avoid all daylight. No BLU-U® light patient should resume any topical medication on your face until all the redness from the BLU-U® light treatment has faded. Specific skin care instructions will be given to you by your clinician following the treatment. As long as any redness remains, you should wash your face gently and not use any acne cream. Once the redness has faded, you may restart any acne creams except retinoids.
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