Post Care for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) or “Blue Light treatment”

For 48 hours after your treatment, don’t expose the treated area to bright light.

This includes sunlight and bright indoor lights.

Apply a cool compress to the treated area a few times a day for the first 24 hours. To do this, take a clean washcloth, dip it into cool water, wring it out, and gently apply it to the treated area. You can also use ice packs or place a wet washcloth in the freezer for 5 – 10 minutes and apply to the treated area.

Starting the day after your treatment, wash area with gentle cleanser and apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to keep your skin moist while healing is occurring. Over the course of approximately 2 weeks, you may notice redness, swelling and scabbing. Continue daily cleanser and moisturization until skin is healed. Do not pick scabs!

If you have discomfort after your treatment, take an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). If you’re allergic to these medications, or if you can’t take them due to a medical condition, please let us know.

If you must be outside after your treatment, protect the treated area from the sun. If you can not cover the treated area, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen ( SPF30 and above) that is preferably zinc based. If the treated area is on your face, also wear a wide brimmed hat. For body treatments, wear long sleeve shirts or pants. Please get into a habit of using sunscreen of at least SPF30 to exposed areas when you are outdoors to protect your skin.

Treatments: You can expect to have 2 light treatments to that particular area one month apart followed by a third visit, which serves as a follow up visit to assess response to treatment.

Return to the office for your follow-up appointments according to your doctor’s instructions and please call with any concerns.