Levulan® Kerastick® (aminolevulinic acid HCl) for Topical Solution, 20% (Levulan Kerastick) plus blue light illumination using the BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator (Levulan PDT) is indicated for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratosis of the face or scalp. At our clinic in Los Angeles, we provide Levulan PDT treatment for patients seeking advanced, non-invasive solutions for precancerous skin lesions.
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin that can lead to skin cancer. It is important to treat AKs because there is no way to tell when or which lesions will progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common form of skin cancer. Early actinic keratosis treatment in Los Angeles helps reduce this risk significantly.
Levulan PDT, a 2-part treatment, is unique because it uses a light-activated drug therapy to destroy AKs. This photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis is both effective and precise.
Levulan Kerastick Topical Solution is applied to the AK. The solution is then absorbed by the AK cells where it is converted to a chemical that makes the cells extremely sensitive to light. When the AK cells are exposed to the BLU-U Blue Light Illuminator, a reaction occurs which destroys the AK cells.
Benefits of Levulan PDT Treatment
The 2-part treatment offers the following conveniences:
- No prescription to fill
- No daily medication to remember
- Treatment is administered by a qualified healthcare professional
Levulan PDT can also fit your lifestyle:
- The 2-part, 2 office visit treatment is completed in less than 24 hours
- Low downtime*
- High ratings for cosmetic response
- No scarring reported to date
Patients treated with Levulan PDT should avoid exposure of the photosensitized lesions to sunlight or prolonged or intense light for at least 40 hours.
This non-surgical skin lesion treatment in Los Angeles is ideal for patients looking for effective care without extended recovery time.
Understanding Actinic Keratosis and Skin Cancer Risk
Up to 58 million Americans have actinic keratosis (AK). An AK has the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer. While most AKs remain benign, approximately 10 percent develop into SCC within an average of two years.
Since there is no way to know ahead of time which ones will become cancerous, frequent skin examinations are the key to early detection and prevention. Learn more about skin cancer prevention from the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Our clinic also serves patients from Beverly Hills and Santa Monica who are seeking expert actinic keratosis treatment and preventive dermatologic care.
Signs and Symptoms of Actinic Keratoses
AKs – often called “sun spots” – are rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) such as sunlight. They occur most often in sun-exposed areas.
Actinic Keratoses generally begin as rough spots of skin that may be easier felt than seen. Common complaints include a lesion that has increased in size or one that is raised, bleeding, poor in healing, discolored, or associated with discomfort such as pain or itching.
While a lesion may initially appear skin colored to pink, red, or brown, lesions on darker skin may be more pigmented. AKs may feel soft, rough, or “gritty,” but in any case, they feel different from the surrounding healthy skin.
AKs are seen primarily in Caucasians with pale skin living in sunny climates. Areas of the skin with the most sun exposure, such as the head, neck, forearms, and hands account for more than 80 percent of AKs.
Causes and Risk Factors for Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratoses develop as the result of years of sun exposure. Because the effect of sun exposure is cumulative, it is your lifetime exposure that increases your risk. Even if you didn’t suntan much, years of just doing simple tasks outside can add up to significant sun exposure.
For example:
- Going out to the mailbox
- Playing an outdoor sport
- Walking the dog
Because AKs take a long time to develop, they generally appear after the age of 40. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 60 percent of persons apt to get Actinic Keratoses will indeed get at least one AK in their lifetime.
Your risk of developing AKs increases if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- A history of cumulative sun exposure
- Fair skin
- Blond or red hair, particularly if combined with blue, hazel, or green eyes
- A tendency to freckle or burn after sun exposure
- A weakened immune system
If you are noticing suspicious skin changes and are looking for Levulan Kerastick treatment in Los Angeles, our team provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized care plans for patients throughout Santa Monica and Beverly Hills.
Early treatment is essential to prevent progression to skin cancer. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or book your appointment now.
FAQ’s
1. What is Levulan® Kerastick treatment?
Levulan® Kerastick is a photodynamic therapy treatment in Los Angeles used to treat actinic keratosis by combining a light-activated medication with blue light exposure to destroy precancerous skin cells without surgery.
2. Who is a good candidate for Levulan PDT treatment?
Patients with minimally to moderately thick actinic keratosis lesions on the face or scalp, especially those seeking non-invasive actinic keratosis treatment in Los Angeles, are usually good candidates after professional evaluation.
3. How does Levulan® Kerastick photodynamic therapy work?
The Levulan solution is applied to affected skin where it is absorbed by abnormal cells and makes them sensitive to blue light. When exposed to BLU-U® blue light therapy in Los Angeles, the targeted cells are destroyed.
4. Is Levulan PDT treatment painful?
Most patients experience mild burning, stinging, or warmth during treatment, but discomfort is usually temporary and manageable during advanced dermatologic care in Los Angeles.
5. How long does Levulan Kerastick treatment take?
The treatment is completed in two office visits within less than 24 hours, making it convenient for patients seeking efficient skin cancer prevention treatment in Los Angeles.
6. What are the benefits of Levulan PDT?
Benefits include no daily medication, no surgical incisions, low downtime, excellent cosmetic results, and minimal risk of scarring. It is widely preferred for cosmetic dermatology treatment in Los Angeles.
7. How soon will I see results after treatment?
Results vary, but most patients see improvement in treated lesions within several weeks as the skin heals after Levulan photodynamic therapy in Los Angeles.
8. Do I need to avoid sunlight after treatment?
Yes. Patients should avoid sunlight, indoor bright light, or prolonged UV exposure for at least 40 hours after treatment to protect photosensitized skin.
9. Can actinic keratosis turn into skin cancer?
Yes. Actinic keratosis can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Early actinic keratosis screening in Los Angeles is important because there is no way to predict which lesions may become cancerous.
10. What causes actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is mainly caused by cumulative ultraviolet sun exposure over many years. Even routine outdoor activities contribute to risk, especially in sunny climates like Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills.
11. What are the symptoms of actinic keratosis?
Symptoms include rough, scaly, or gritty skin patches that may be pink, red, brown, or skin-colored. Some lesions may bleed, itch, or feel uncomfortable.
12. Who is at higher risk of developing AKs?
Higher risk groups include people with fair skin, light-colored eyes, red or blond hair, weakened immune systems, or long-term sun exposure history.
13. How common is actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is very common, affecting millions of Americans. Studies suggest around 10% of AK lesions may develop into cancer if left untreated.
14. Do you offer actinic keratosis treatment for patients from other cities?
Yes. Our clinic serves patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills seeking preventive dermatology and advanced skin lesion treatment.
15. When should I book a consultation?
You should schedule an appointment if you notice persistent skin lesions, rough patches, or changes in skin texture. Early treatment improves outcomes — book now or contact us today for evaluation.