Photodynamic Therapy

• Please let us know:
  • If you have a history of cold sores (Herpes simplex virus),
    • We will prescribe you a medication to help reduce the possibility of an outbreak following treatment.
    • Valtrex 500 mg 1 capsule 2 x per day 5 days before, 5 days after
  • If you are pregnant or have contraindications such as Lupus, photodermatoses, porphyria, known allergies, or known hypersensitivity to Ameluz (includes soybean phosphatidylcholine), porphyrins, or PDT in the past.
  • If you are on blood thinners (Asprin, NSAIDS, Warfarin, Coumadin)
  • Please inform us if you are taking any of the following medications, as they may intensify your reaction and increase side effects:
    • St. John’s Wort , Griseofulvin,
    • Thiazide diuretics.
    • Sulfonamides (such as sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim compounds like Bactrim or Septra).
    • Phenothiazines (anti-psychotic medications ending in “azine”).
    • Tetracyclines (including doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline).
    • Quinolones (including alidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin)

• Please arrive with clean skin, ensuring the area is washed beforehand. Make sure the treatment area is free of makeup, moisturizers, sunscreens, perfumes, and lotions.
• We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes to your appointments, or you can change into a gown if your chest is being treated. . If you tend to get chilled from air conditioning, bring a sweater or light jacket to wear while you are waiting for the cream  to take effect. Bring a good book, iPad or Kindle is also recommended.
• Pre-Treatment photos will be taken prior to application of the Amulez cream
• Please ensure you bring the following items to your appointment and have them available at home for aftercare:
  • For face and scalp treatments: Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to cover the treated area (we can provide a hat if needed!).
  • For neck, chest, or back treatments: Bring a scarf and clothing that can cover the treated area.
  • For arm or leg treatments: Bring clothing that can fully cover the treated area (yes, even in the summer!).
  • For hand treatments: Bring gloves and sleeves to cover your hands and wrists, especially for driving home!

• Additionally, have the following items ready:
  • A gentle cleanser like CeraVe, Cetaphil, or Vanicream, free of active ingredients and fragrances.
  • A high-SPF sunblock (at least SPF 50) containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide (Blue Lizard and Elta MD is our favorite!)
  • A thick moisturizing cream such as CeraVe or Vanicream , without active ingredients or fragrances.
• Men, if treating the face, please trim your facial hair short (or hair over the area to be treated). You do not need to shave all the way but if you choose to, you can do this at least one-two days prior (not the morning of to avoid irritation).
• Stop using any topical tretinoin (Retin-A), Differin, Epiduo, and Tazorac three weeks before your PDT treatment. You can resume these medications once your skin is fully healed from treatment

• During the first 48 hours after treatment, it is imperative that you avoid sunlight as much as possible.
• If your scalp or face was treated, you should try your best to stay indoors for the first 48 hours, apply sunscreen regardless of being indoors or outdoors (preferably with Zinc oxide – Blue Lizard is our favorite), and stay away from being directly next to windows and bright lamps indoors.
• If other areas were treated (like the arms or legs) it is important you keep these covered with clothing if outdoors (even in the summer!) and apply the same sunscreen underneath, but you do not have to stay indoors.

DAY 1/Same day of treatment: 

• • Go straight home with your protective clothing and sunscreen on.
  • Your skin can start to turn mildly pink to red and feel “hot” like a sunburn during this time.
  • You can start applying ice packs a few times daily for the first 24 hours afterwards. This can help with any swelling that may occur.
    • If the face was treated, you can start to see swelling most noticeably around the eyes and/or lips.
  • You should not wash your face for the first 24 hours. Afterwards you can use gentle, unscented cleanser like Cerave or Cetaphil the next day.
  • You can apply your thick moisturizing cream (unscented and gentle Cerave/Cetaphil  frequently to keep your skin hydrated.  (Pro Tip! You can put the moisturizer in the fridge to aid in cooling!)
  • Elevate your head while sleeping to help with any swelling.
• You may take Tylenol as needed. NO NSAIDS! No Advil or ibuprofen, Aleve or naproxen, aspirin etc… 

Day 2: 

• Continue avoiding sunlight, wear sunscreen, and remain indoors as much as possible hours 24-48. If you must go outside you need to wear your hat, sunglasses, clothing etc…
• After the first 24 hours, your skin may begin to peel. There can be some crusting and oozing, this is normal. Some patients might have little to no redness or peeling, while others can have significant redness and peeling that can last 5-10 days. Keep your skin moisturized and DO NOT pick at the peeling to minimize risk of infection. The peeling areas will come off as your skin heals underneath. During this time you should not wear makeup, shave or rub your skin.
• You can keep applying ice packs and use Tylenol as needed.
• You can shower and continue to use your gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
• Keep avoiding sunlight and apply your sunscreen!

Days 3 on: 

• Avoid direct sun exposure as your skin is healing especially over the next 2 weeks, and practice diligent sun protection EVERY DAY with at least SPF 30 (still a sunscreen that has zinc oxide, we love Blue Lizard).
• Your discomfort should be minimized by day 3.
• You can continue to peel for 7-10 days. Your skin can feel tight and/or dry so continue to moisturize!
• Once your peeling and any crusting resolves, you can go back to shaving the area and wearing makeup. You can also go back to using your tretinoin.
• Even after peeling your skin can remain pink while it is fully healing but should look more even and clear. Again, a reminder to continue wearing sunscreen every day.
• Once you are fully healed, we recommend you still have a daily skincare regimen that includes daily sunscreen wear, even under makeup, to prevent new skin damage.