You are scheduled for an upcoming Blu-U Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) at Vital Dermatology. Please review the following:

What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
-A medicated gel called aminolevulinic acid is applied to a treatment area. Sun-damaged and pre-cancerous cells will absorb this gel before the skin is exposed to a special blue light device which “activates” the gel to target and destroy pre-cancerous cells.
-Common areas of treatment including the face, scalp/ears, forearms/hands, lower legs. Only 1 area is treated per visit.
-PDT usually needs to be repeated periodically in order to maximize results.

Benefits
-Improved texture and appearance of the skin with reduction of pre-cancerous skin growths.
-Reduced risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in the treatment area, especially with repeated treatments.
-Reduction of oil and improvement of acne/rosacea.

Expectations
•Discomfort during treatment: The blue light exposure lasts 30 minutes. You will experience burning and stinging during this time, which usually plateaus after 6 minutes. Fans and a cool mist may be used to minimize this discomfort.
•Anticipated side effects: Redness similar to a sun-burn, crusting, burning, swelling (especially around the eyes), itching will occur after the treatment. This will be most intense in the first 48 hours. Most reactions have resolved within 1 week but some residual redness or discoloration may linger for up to a month.
•Strict, outdoor sun avoidance: You will need to avoid all direct AND indirect sunlight exposure by staying indoors for the 48 hours after treatment.

Preparing for Your Treatment
•For Males: If you are having treatment to an area with thick hair, please shave the planned treatment area the day before your treatment appointment.
•Patients with a history of cold sore outbreaks: You will be prescribed valacyclovir 500mg twice daily. Start this medication the day PRIOR to your treatment.
•Notify our office: If you have a history of lupus, porphyria, currently pregnant/breastfeeding, you have an active cold sore outbreak or if you have been prescribed an antibiotic called doxycycline/minocycline/tetracycline in the weeks prior to your appointment as your treatment may need to be cancelled.

On the Day of Your Treatment
-Arrive to your appointment with CLEAN SKIN in the planned treatment area (NO makeup, lotion, sunscreen, perfume).
-Do NOT wear jewelry in the planned treatment area.
-Nearly all patients are able to drive following the procedure and do not need a driver.
•Bring to your Appointment: Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat (for face or scalp treatments) or a long-sleeved shirt (for forearm treatments) or long pants (for leg treatments).

After Your Treatment
-Go straight home
-Remain indoors! Avoid all sunlight (including near windows) and bright indoor lights for 48 hours. SUNSCREEN IS NOT ENOUGH! Excess sun exposure may result in a severe reaction.
•What to Expect:
Day 1-2: Redness and swelling (especially around the eyes/lips if the face was treated).
Day 3-7: Continued redness and swelling in addition to peeling, scaling and itchy skin.
Day 8-14: The skin may have a pinkish hue.
•Caring for your Skin After Treatment:
-Cleanse your skin with a gentle soap such as Dove Unscented Bar or Vanicream soap
-Apply plain Vaseline ointment throughout the day. You may keep the Vaseline in the refrigerated for added comfort.
-May take Tylenol 500mg (1-2 pills every 8 hours, do NOT exceed 6 pills in 24 hour period), if health history allows.
-If going outside, wear a hat/protective clothing and zinc-only sunscreen with SPF 50.
-Do NOT pick at scabs or crusting.
-You may wear makeup or begin shaving once open sores have healed (usually 3 days).
-Wait 1 week before resuming any topical anti-aging products to the area

Cost-Estimate
-A co-pay or co-insurance may be required for this treatment. It is the patient’s responsibility to understand his/her insurance benefits, however, Vital Dermatology will provide a courtesy benefits investigation and cost-estimate. You may also call your insurance to confirm your coverage for the following billing codes: ICD-10 L57.0 with CPT 96574 and J7345 (200units).

General Appointment Reminders
-Please arrive 5 minutes early.
-Call to reschedule if you have had confirm/suspect COVID-19 in the last 10 days or an active fever on day of the appointment.
-A credit card on file is required for all patients in order to process refunds and delinquent balances.

We look forward to seeing you! -Dr Beasley & the Vital Dermatology team

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 850-888-2424.