PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY TREATMENT POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS 

 PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY TREATMENT POST CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER your Photodynamic therapy treatment, your skin will feel warm to touch and sting as though you have a bad sunburn. You may also experience redness, skin tenderness, dark spots and swelling. THIS IS NORMAL. The stinging sensation begins during the treatment and may last up to 24 hours. Your skin will then feel somewhat dry and rough and may appear a bit darker over the next 7 days. The remaining skin changes resolve over a 7 to 10 day period. Upon completion of your Photodynamic therapy treatment, it is imperative that you follow the guidelines given below: Soothe: You may apply SkinMedica Restorative Ointment, (available in our office) or Aquaphor ointment and a cool, water soaked cloth or a water mister to your skin to calm any stinging, redness or irritation. Vinegar and water soaks are also very helpful with burning and stinging sensations (mix 1 tablespoon white vinegar to 2 cups of cool water). This can be done as often as necessary, throughout the day and evening hours for 5‐10 minutes. Do not rub or scrub your skin. Tylenol or Advil may also be taken for discomfort. Cleanse your newly treated skin with warm or cool water only during the first 12 hours. After 12 hours, you may begin using a gentle cleanser such as SkinMedica Sensitive Skin Cleanser (available in our office) or Cetaphil. Moisturizing: During the next 7 days, we strongly encourage you to frequently hydrate your skin using SkinMedica Restorative Ointment or Aquaphor ointment. Moisturizing your treated skin will soothe, hydrate, reduce redness and irritation and accelerate the healing process of your skin. For the first 24 hours, you should use SkinMedica Restorative Ointment or Aquaphor. After that, you may prefer to use Aveeno or Cetaphil creams or lotions during the day as they are less greasy and will allow for make‐up application. Makeup application should be kept to a minimum to avoid disrupting the newly treated skin. Avoid heavy foundations that must be rubbed on. Mineral based face powders may be used during the next 5‐7 days. It can be applied with a powder brush and can be removed quite easily with a gentle skin cleanser. Sun protection: The Levulan (Amniolevulinic acid 20%) applied to your skin during photodynamic therapy will make you very photosensitive for 36‐48 hours after your treatment. Sun Exposure, even indirect sun exposure, during this time can cause increased swelling, redness and discomfort. You must avoid direct sunlight exposure. Sunscreen will not protect you from a photosensitive skin reaction during this time period. Please follow the instructions below to avoid problems with photosensitivity. Day 1 Following treatment: •
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Remain indoors and avoid sunlight or bright indoor lighting for the next 48 hours Remember that cloudy days are as harmful as any other day Limit computer usage and prolonged TV exposure and sit at least 10 feet from the TV screen Keep interior lights off or dimmed as much as possible •
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Keep curtains drawn Men should avoid shaving their face if this area was treated Day 2: •
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Remain indoors and avoid direct sunlight. Photosensitivity is usually gone 36 hours after treatment BUT could last as long as 48 hours. Limit computer usage Avoid prolonged TV exposure and sit at least 10 feet from the TV screen Keep interior lights off or dimmed as much as possible Keep curtains drawn Day 3‐7: •
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Try to avoid sunlight for 1 week The treated area may remain slightly red for a few weeks You may begin to apply make‐up once crusting has healed Skin may feel tight and dry, continue to liberally use a gentle moisturizer Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and one that contains titanium or zinc for the next 6 weeks to protect your newly treated skin (Ideally you would make this part of your daily regimen for years to come) Try to avoid direct sun light as much as possible Wear sun protective clothing including a wide brimmed hat ALWAYS apply your sunscreen (a minimum of an SPF 30 sunscreen with Zinc or Titanium is recommended) 20‐30 minutes prior to exposure to insure protection. Also, remember to apply it every two hours NO MATTER what SPF you are using if you are outdoors for prolonged periods of time. The ingredients in many sunscreens break down at about the two hour mark and you are NO LONGER protected. Apply evenly to all areas of exposure. After the initial 10 day period, you may return to your previous skin care regimen. We recommend that you begin a regimen that fits your lifestyle and can add to the improvement and appearance of your skin. TNS Essential Serum or TNS Recovery Complex, which is carried in our office, can be applied to your skin without experiencing dryness, irritation or redness upon initial use. It is soothing, hydrating and has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as evening out the overall tone and texture of the skin. TNS Essential Serum or TNS Recovery Complex is highly recommended to help keep your new skin at its optimal level. Our staff is happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding this product line. Do NOT apply any glycolic/alpha hydroxy/beta hydroxyl/Retin‐A/tretinoin/tazarotene/adapalene/azaleic acid/benzoyl peroxide or exfoliating products or self‐tanners to your skin for at least 10 days after your Photodynamic Treatment. These products will irritate your skin and may induce hyperpigmentation or discoloration to your newly treated skin. Do NOT pick, rub, or use a micro‐exfoliator or schedule a facial, waxing or other aesthetician services for at least 10 days after your treatment. You do not want to remove the dry, rough, dead skin faster than your body wants to. It is serving a purpose during healing and will slough off within the standard healing time of about 7 days. Do not be concerned if your skin takes on a rough, patchy, darkened quality a few days after this treatment. This is normal and expected. It will resolve on its own within 7‐10 days. You must continue to protect your skin during this time by using an appropriate sunscreen as well as a wide brimmed hat, gloves, or clothing that can protect your treated skin. Do NOT shave until any swelling has resolved, usually within the next 12‐24 hours or so. If possible, it is preferable to use an electric shaver for shaving as it results in less irritation to the skin. Do NOT work out or perform heavy manual labor for 48 hours post treatment. Do NOT swim in chlorinated water or salt water for 7 days. These environments have a different pH and can irritate your newly treated skin. Do NOT plan any outdoor activities or activity that exposes your skin to direct sunlight or artificial UV rays for the next 7 days. Do NOT wax any area treated by Photodynamic Therapy for 10 days after your treatment. REMEMBER – Avoid touching your face or other treated areas. When you need to, make sure your hands are clean so you don’t contaminate your skin. If you experience the following, or have any other concerns, please contact our office at 805‐884‐4900 •
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Severe pain Open, weeping skin Blisters Temperature of greater than 100.5 Hives