LEVULAN® KERASTICK

Levulan® Kerastick is a special treatment using aminolevulinic acid and light to treat the skin affected by precancerous lesions. It is most often used to treat skin lesions on the face, scalp, and extremities. During the procedure process, aminolevulinic acid will be applied using an applicator to the skin and the skin will be exposed to a special blue light to complete the process. At Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center, our skilled providers will use precision and great care to ensure that the acid is only applied to the lesion in question, and not the surrounding area. This procedure removes the lesion and leaves minimal scarring.

What to expect

On the day of the procedure, patients will be asked to wear clothing or head gear that will protect them from the sun, especially if treatment will be taking place on the face. Using an applicator, aminolevulinic acid will be applied directly to the treatment site. After the application, the patient will wait an hour before being exposed to a special blue light, completing the procedure. The light exposure takes only about 20 minutes to complete. It is imperative that the patient avoids the sun and bright lights for at least 24 hours after the procedure, as this could negatively affect the skin. Upon fully completing treatment, patients may experience irritation and redness at the treatment site, which will subside within a few days.

Treatment aftercare

Following Levulan® Kerastick treatment patients may experience some side effects including redness swelling and some scabbing or scaling at the lesion site. The side effects should subside within 4 weeks after treatment; should they persist, contact your dermatologist immediately. Patients will not have any aftercare requirements, such as medications, unless directed by the dermatologist, but they may need to bandage the treatment sites.