Levulan - Photo dynamic Therapy (PDT) - BLU-U Blue Light PDT - Pre and Post Treatment Instructions

Sep 27, 2026

Instructions for preparing for and caring for skin after Levulan photo dynamic therapy (PDT) using BLU-U blue light. The guide explains expected reactions—warmth, stinging, redness, tenderness, dark spots, swelling—and typical timelines up to 7–10 days. It details scheduling, office steps, and comprehensive home care across the day of treatment and days 2 through 7, including vinegar soaks, ice packs, sun avoidance, elevation, moisturizing with specified ointments, analgesic use, and precautions for cold sores, blood thinners, and porphyria.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Prior to Treatment & Preparation

Home Care on the Day of Treatment

Home Care on Day 2

Home Care on Days 3 – 7

Pre and Post Treatment Instructions Levulan ® Photo dynamic Therapy (PDT) - BLU-U Blue Light PDT After your Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) treatment, your skin will feel warm to touch and sting, similar to having a sunburn. You may also experience redness, skin tenderness, dark spots and swelling. This is a normal reaction. The stinging sensation begins during the treatment and may last up to 24 -48 hours. Your skin will then feel somewhat dry and rough, and may appear a bit darker over the next 7 days. The remaining skin changes typically resolve over a 7 to 10 day period. Please plan on spending between two to three hours at our office for your treatment: degreasing of treatment area, application of medicine, incubation period (11/2-2 hours), time in Blue Light (approximately 17 minutes), skin cleaning and sunscreen application. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in our office. Upon completion of your Photodynamic Therapy treatment, it is imperative that you follow the guidelines given below. Prior to Treatment & Preparation • Notify our office if you have a history of recurrent cold sores or take medications that make you more sensitive to sunlight. • If you have a history of recurring cold sores (Herpes simplex virus), we will prescribe you prophylactic Valtrex or another oral antiviral to begin the morning of your treatment. • If you are having your face or scalp treated, please be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to help block the sun on your trip home following treatment. • Have white vinegar and a small spray bottle of water available to help reduce any stinging sensation that you might experience following treatment. Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 16oz of cool water in a small spray bottle of water. (You may also simply apply gauze soaked in the diluted white vinegar as well) . • If possible, try to arrive without make-up. • Notify our office if you are on blood thinners, as these may result in a more exuberant response (increased swelling, crusting, bleeding) . • Please notify our office if you have a history of porphyria. • Men should shave their face the morning of the procedure and have their hair trimmed short in all treatment areas. Home Care on the Day of Treatment • If you have a history of recurring cold sores (Herpes simplex virus), be sure to take the prophylactic antiviral medication on the morning of your treatment and to complete the course as prescribed • It is expected that your skin will become pink to markedly red. • Cool vinegar soaks may be applied to reduce the burning sensation and to reduce the possibility of infection. o Mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar with 16oz (2 cups) of cool water. o Using a soft cloth or gauze, soak the treatment site for 15 minutes with the diluted vinegar solution. o You may also spray the treatment areas with a small spray bottle with white vinegar that’s kept cool in the refrigerator (approximately 1 tablespoon white vinegar in a 16oz bottle or 1 ½ teaspoons in an 8oz bottle) . 1 cup = 8oz. 2 cups = 16oz. 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons. o Always pat dry your skin and please avoid rubbing and picking your skin. [www.DrGoulder.com](www.DrGoulder.com) 500 E. Ogden Avenue Suite 200 Hinsdale, IL 60521 630.325.MOHS(6647) Home Care on the Day of Treatment (continued) • Additionally, you may begin applying ice packs to the treated areas. This will help keep the area cool, alleviate any discomfort and minimize swelling. Swelling will be most evident around the eyes and is usually more prominent in the morning. • To help soothe your skin, Aquaphor healing ointment may be applied throughout the day. • Remain indoors if possible and avoid direct and indirect sunlight and direct very bright indoor light for 48 hours. • Elevate your head on two pillows when sleeping to reduce swelling. • You may take analgesics such as Tylenol® , Advil® , Motrin® as directed, if necessary. Home Care on Day 2 • Continue to apply ice

FAQs

What reactions are normal after BLU-U blue light photodynamic therapy (PDT)?

Skin may feel warm and sting, similar to a sunburn, with redness, tenderness, dark spots, and swelling. The stinging can last up to 24–48 hours, and remaining changes typically resolve within 7–10 days.

How should I prepare before the PDT appointment?

Inform the office about recurrent cold sores, medications that increase sun sensitivity, blood thinners, and any history of porphyria. If treating face or scalp, bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and have white vinegar and a spray bottle available for post-treatment soothing.

What home care should I follow after treatment to protect my skin?

Use diluted white vinegar soaks and/or spray, apply ice packs if needed, moisturize with Aquaphor or a post-procedure moisturizer, and avoid direct and indirect sunlight for at least 48 hours and up to two weeks, using broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed. Avoid picking loose tissue during peeling and wait until crusting resolves before using makeup.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Aria Callaghan