Can Blu-U Light Help With Skin Cancer Treatment?

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? Approximately one out of five people living in the U.S. will develop skin cancer in their life — that’s a pretty high number.

Because of how common it is as well as how severe it can be, many treatments have been developed to help patients cope with the diagnosis. One such skin cancer treatment is Blu-U light therapy, which is a popular new method of aiding the skin.

Interested in how this treatment can help your skin? Keep reading to learn more!

What to Know About Blue Light

Addressing the Topic of Blue Light

Blu-U light treatment is a form of photodynamic therapy which uses light, a noninvasive material, to treat problem areas with the skin. The treatment makes use of blue light, which is one of the colors that our skin and eyes take in whenever exposed to light.

Blue light often has a bad reputation attached to it for a few reasons. Research has shown that blue light stimulates the mind which can cause alertness and better mood, but it also slows down the body’s production of melatonin.

But if used properly, blue light can help with the skin. Let’s take a look at how it can do so.

What Is Blu-U Light Therapy?

As mentioned, Blu-U Light therapy is a method included in photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a treatment process that seeks to eradicate cancerous and precancerous cells in your skin. The process is unique to patients, but typically a patient consumes a drug called a photosensitizer which reacts when exposed to light.

The medication is applied to the skin in which it absorbs harmful cells on precancerous spots called actinic keratoses. The light then kills the cells and then peels off.

Now, you might find yourself wondering how often should you get blue light therapy. Typically, doctors recommend about two to four doses, about five weeks apart from each dose.

Blue Light Side Effects

Blue light therapy is mostly safe. However, as with every treatment, individual cases vary and should be examined closely by a medical professional.

As for side effects, here are some potential ones:

• Sleep problems due to blue light exposure

• Skin peeling and flaking

• Sensitivity to UV rays (sun)

And as with nearly every skin treatment, some mild irritation or pinching may occur.

What Else Can Blu-U Light Therapy Help?

Blu-U light therapy isn’t just a great way to prevent cancer or treat cancerous skin cells, but it can help with other skin problems too. Acne is one of the issues that blue light therapy can help with. Similar to cancerous cells, acne is sensitive to blue light and will likely die if exposed to it.

Acne even produces its own photosensitizers, so no need for additional medication. Just note that this therapy doesn’t work for everyone with acne, so it’s best to consider other acne treatments too.

Finding Blue Light Therapy

Some people may think that they can do blue light therapy at home with light therapy lamps. This might be true to some extent since you can buy lamps to keep with you at home.

However, it is best to have a dermatologist help you with it since not only do they already have the equipment but they are professionally trained in the process.

If you’re looking for a dermatologist near Cincinnati, Ohio, then look no further than the Dermatology Group. With plenty of years of expertise and experience under our belt, as well as some of the most professional dermatologists in your area, we are prepared to give you the best treatment for any of your skin-related issues.

Considering Skin Cancer Treatment Options

We hope this short article on blue light therapy helped cover some of the questions you might have had. The process is different for everyone and can potentially prevent skin cancer, so talk with your dermatologist to see if it’s right for you.

Interested in learning more about skin cancer treatment? Go ahead and give us a call and we’d be happy to consult you.