Understanding Actinic Keratoses
Years of sun exposure can leave more than wrinkles and sunspots. Actinic keratoses, or AKs, are rough, dry, scaly patches that develop after long-term ultraviolet exposure, most often on the face, scalp, and arms. They may seem harmless, but they are considered precancerous, and research shows many squamous cell carcinomas begin as an AK. Since there is no way to predict which lesions will progress, treating them early is an important step in protecting your skin.
If you have noticed persistent rough patches or have already been diagnosed with actinic keratoses, our dermatology team can evaluate your skin and determine whether Blue Light Therapy is the right treatment for you.
How LEVULAN KERASTICK + BLU-U Works
LEVULAN KERASTICK plus BLU-U combines a prescription medication with blue light in a simple two-step treatment performed entirely in our office.
Medication Application.
Your dermatologist applies the LEVULAN KERASTICK solution to the treatment area, where it is absorbed by the abnormal cells associated with actinic keratoses.
Blue Light Treatment.
Once the medication has been absorbed, the area is exposed to the BLU-U Blue Light Illuminator, which activates the medication to treat the targeted lesions.
The entire process is typically completed within a few hours in a single visit. Healing begins once treatment is complete, and unlike some AK treatments, there is no daily routine required for weeks afterward.
Benefits of Blue Light Therapy
Blue Light Therapy offers a convenient, non-surgical approach for treating actinic keratoses before they have the opportunity to develop into something more serious.
Benefits include:
Treats minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses
Convenient two-step in-office procedure
Completed within a few hours
Minimal downtime
No daily treatment routine for weeks
Healing begins after blue light treatment is complete
No scarring was reported during clinical trials
Personalized treatment recommendations from an experienced dermatology team
Your Personalized Consultation
Every patient's skin is different, so treatment begins with a full evaluation. During your consultation, we will:
- Examine your skin and review your medical history and sun exposure
- Determine whether LEVULAN KERASTICK plus BLU-U is the right treatment for you
- Walk you through what to expect at each step of the process
- Answer any questions so you feel confident moving forward with your care
Why Choose Main Line Dermatology for Blue Light Therapy?
Advanced, Targeted Treatment.
LEVULAN KERASTICK plus BLU-U is designed specifically for actinic keratoses, not a general-purpose skin treatment.
Personalized Care.
Every treatment plan is built around your specific skin condition, medical history, and needs.
Experienced Dermatology Team.
Our providers take the time to help you understand your options and feel confident in your care every step of the way.
Convenient Care Close to Home.
Blue Light Therapy is available at our West Chester office, convenient for patients throughout West Chester and the surrounding Main Line communities.
Hear From Our Patients
Ready to Treat Your Actinic Keratoses?
If you have been diagnosed with actinic keratoses or are concerned about rough, scaly patches on your skin, do not wait to seek treatment. Early care can help protect your skin and support your long-term health, and our team is ready to answer any questions you have along the way.
Call to Schedule an Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
Blue Light Therapy is a two-step, in-office treatment that combines the LEVULAN KERASTICK solution with the BLU-U Blue Light Illuminator to treat minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses.
Actinic keratoses are rough, dry, scaly patches caused by years of ultraviolet exposure. They are considered precancerous and should be evaluated by a dermatologist rather than left untreated.
Treatment is completed in our office in a single visit and typically takes a few hours from the medication application to the blue light exposure and post-treatment instructions.
Blue Light Therapy involves minimal downtime for most patients. Healing begins once your treatment session is complete, and there is no required daily routine for weeks afterward.
Scarring is not a commonly reported outcome of LEVULAN KERASTICK plus BLU-U treatment. Your provider can discuss what to expect for your specific skin and treatment area.
Our dermatology team will evaluate your skin, review your medical history, and determine whether LEVULAN KERASTICK plus BLU-U is an appropriate treatment for your actinic keratoses.

