Acne plagues approximately 20% of the population, most commonly people with an influx of hormones such as teenagers and pregnant women. While there are topical creams and oral drugs that can help, for some people these solutions do not work or do not work well enough. Enter the Dusa Blue Light.
Dusa Blue Light treatments go right to the heart of the acne lesions, the bacteria that causes the acne in the first place. Dusa Blue Light destroys the bacteria that causes acne and facilitates quicker healing of the skin. Treatments consist of a series of appointments where patients sit in front of the blue light for less than 20 minutes twice a week for a period of weeks. Your doctor will recommend the correct duration of your treatment based on your skin’s condition.
Dusa Blue Light at a Glance
How Does Dusa Blue Light Work?
Acne is caused by bacteria multiplying in the sebaceous glands that surround hair follicles resulting in symptoms from the common pimple to severe acne. The key is to get rid of the bacteria while not harming the skin. Some people use topical creams, special cleansers or even opt for oral medication. However these solutions do not work for everybody for a myriad of reasons. The Dusa Blue Light is an amazing treatment that eliminates the bacteria that causes acne. When the skin is exposed to the Dusa Blue Light, the blue light enters the sebaceous glands that harbor the bacteria. In turn the sebaceous glands create oxygen molecules that than destroy the bacteria and help the healing process. With the bacteria gone, acne begins to clear up and skin begins to heal.
What Does Dusa Blue Light Treat?
Dusa Blue Light treats acne. When the Dusa Blue Light is used in conjunction with Levulan or ALA (amino levulinic acid) it effectively treats severe cases of acne as well as pre-cancerous skin lesions on the face or scalp called actinic keratoses (AK).
What Are Dusa Blue Light Treatments Like?
Typically patients sit in front of the Dusa Blue Light wearing eye goggles for eye protection. Treatments last less than 20 minutes and happen twice a week for several weeks, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. When used in conjunction with Levulan, the Levulan is applied before the treatment and left on the skin for about 30 minutes, washed off, and then the patient sits in front of the Dusa Blue Light.
Does It Hurt and What Can Go Wrong?
Many patients feel no discomfort at all. The Dusa Blue Light feels warm, but not hot. Some patients experience a mild discomfort such as stinging, tingling, prickling, or burning of the lesions, but this should go away after the treatment. The skin can turn red and swollen in the following week. Some crusting may be noted, especially if used in conjunction with Levulan. After one week there might be some minor redness that will gradually subside and can be easily covered with make up. After treatment skin may be very sensitive to the sun so it is important to cover the skin for protection and to wear sunglasses.
What should I expect from Dusa Blue Light Treatment?
While you won’t look any different immediately after the procedure, you will notice your skin healing slowly and methodically as your series of treatments progresses. If Levulan was used in conjunction with the Dusa Blue Light , or if it was used alone, scabbing may occur as the acne lesions heal, but this will end when the treatments are completed.
For more information about Dusa Blue Light, we encourage you to call to schedule an in-office consultation.
