ALA Treatment

Aminolevulinic Acid HCl (ALA)

Aminolevulinic acid HCl (ALA) is part of a two step process in treating sun damaged spots (actinic keratoses, aka AK’s) in combination with BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy. This use is expanding to include more severe acne, in cases when the Blu-U light alone does not penetrate deep enough to destroy the bacteria causing the skin problem.

AK’s ALA is gently dabbed on the skin surface 1-4 hours before activation with the Blu-U using a wand applicator (Levulan® Kerastick®). One treatment session under the Blu-U light lasts roughly 16 minutes. Eight weeks after treatment all or most of the sun damaged spots will be gone.

With moderate to severe acne, ALA is applied 15 minutes before Blu-U activation using the Levulan Kerastick. The ALA is then activated for ~6 minutes using the Blu-U. Results should be evident in 8 weeks.

Possible side effects of ALA include some minor itching, redness, and burning when it is applied to the skin.

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