Acne treatments using Levulan Kerastick Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is the most recent advance in acne therapy. Photodynamic acne therapy involves the application of Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid), a photosensitizing agent, which is then activated with blue light. This results in significant improvement in moderate to severe cystic acne.
Levulan acne treatment involves three mechanisms of action against acne. Levulan treatment inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, effectivel shutting down the sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebaceous glands are the root cause in the formation of acne. Thanks to this effect, Levulan has a long lasting effect even on severe acne.
Levulan acne therapy can even work in patients who have not succeeded with accutane. While Accutane also targets the sebaceous gland, it has fairly toxic side effects. Levulan is a safe alternative to accutane treatment.