Class: Acid

Route: Topical

Side Effects: Some possible side effects include redness, dryness, swelling, peeling, scabbing

Special Notes:Patients must wait one hour after application of the acid before sitting in front of the blue light machine. During this time and the next 48 hours, the patient must avoid any type of sunlight, even through a window.

Contraindications: None

Mechanism of Action: Photodynamic therapy first involves the application of a photosensitizer, such as ALA, to the acne affected areas of the skin. A waiting period of a few hours is allowed to elapse, during which time the ALA will be absorbed by cells. The patient will then sit in front of the Blu-U machine for up to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of their condition. The light activates the photosensitizer, which reacts with oxygen in the skin to fatally damage some of the cells in the treatment area. Destroying the cells associated with acne allows for new and healthy cells to form.