Photodynamic Light Therapy (PDT)
FDA-approved Levulan + BLU-U blue light treatment for actinic keratoses, sun-damaged skin, and precancerous lesions — performed in-office at OnSpot Dermatology.
What Is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an in-office, non-invasive medical treatment that combines a topical photosensitizing medication with targeted light exposure to destroy abnormal and precancerous skin cells — while leaving surrounding healthy tissue intact.
At OnSpot Dermatology's Fort Myers location, we use the clinically proven Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid, 20% ALA) in combination with the BLU-U Blue Light Illuminator — the FDA-approved standard for treating actinic keratoses of the face and scalp.
PDT is particularly valuable for patients with multiple or widespread pre-cancerous lesions where spot-treatment methods like liquid nitrogen would be inefficient. It also offers real cosmetic benefit, stimulating healthy skin cell turnover and improving overall texture and tone.
Sun Damage Is a Florida Reality
Southwest Florida's year-round UV exposure makes cumulative sun damage one of the most common concerns our Fort Myers patients face. Actinic keratoses — rough, scaly patches caused by years of unprotected sun exposure — are the most frequent precancerous skin condition in the U.S., and they carry real risk.
PDT is uniquely suited for this population. It treats the entire sun-damaged field — not just visible lesions — targeting sub-clinical precancers that haven't yet surfaced but are already present in the skin.
For patients who've used topical treatments like Efudex (5-fluorouracil) with limited results or difficulty tolerating side effects, PDT offers a well-tolerated, in-office alternative with a strong clinical track record.
How PDT Works at Our Fort Myers Office
Your entire PDT session is completed in a single office visit. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Skin Prep & Consultation
Your provider evaluates your skin, identifies lesions, and prepares the treatment area. A light skin prep ensures optimal Levulan absorption.
Levulan Application
The Levulan Kerastick solution (20% ALA) is applied to the target area. The medication absorbs selectively into abnormal cells and converts into a photosensitizing agent. You'll wait comfortably during this phase.
BLU-U Blue Light Activation
The treatment area is exposed to the BLU-U blue light illuminator. The light activates the medication, triggering a reaction that selectively destroys pre-treated abnormal cells. Most patients feel only mild warmth or tingling.
Conditions We Treat with PDT
PDT is highly effective for a range of skin conditions. Our Fort Myers team will confirm whether PDT is the right approach for your case during your consultation.
Actinic Keratoses (AKs)
The primary FDA-approved indication. PDT treats multiple AKs simultaneously across the face and scalp, clearing 70–80% of visible lesions per session while addressing sub-clinical precancers in the field.
Sun Damage & Photoaging
PDT stimulates healthy cell turnover across sun-damaged areas, improving skin texture, reducing irregular pigmentation, and minimizing fine lines as treated skin regenerates.
Precancerous Skin Lesions
For patients with widespread field damage, PDT treats the broader area rather than individual spots — making it more thorough than cryotherapy alone for high-burden cases.
Moderate-to-Severe Acne
ALA is selectively absorbed by sebaceous glands, reducing oil production and bacterial load. PDT can significantly reduce breakouts with results lasting approximately one year or more in many patients.
Rosacea & Oily Skin
Blue light PDT reduces inflammatory rosacea and decreases excess sebum production, offering lasting improvement in skin clarity and redness for appropriate candidates.
Skin Cancer Prevention
For high-risk patients with a history of skin cancer, repeated PDT sessions serve as an active field-directed prevention strategy — reducing cumulative precancer burden before lesions can progress.
Expert PDT Care in Fort Myers
PDT outcomes depend heavily on proper application technique, incubation timing, and patient selection. Our team brings the clinical depth to get those details right.
Board-Certified Providers
Every PDT treatment is overseen by a licensed dermatology provider — not a med-spa aesthetician. You get the clinical judgment to match the right protocol to your specific skin condition.
The Right Equipment Matters
We use the FDA-cleared Levulan Kerastick and BLU-U Illuminator — the clinical gold standard — not consumer-grade light devices. Precision equipment produces predictable, evidence-backed results.
Integrated Dermatology Practice
OnSpot's Fort Myers team handles diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up in one place. If your AKs require biopsy, excision, or additional therapy, that care is already in-house — no referral maze.
12-Location Florida Network
OnSpot is Florida's largest mobile and brick-and-mortar dermatology network. Our Fort Myers office offers accessible scheduling, experienced staff, and a practice culture built around efficient patient-centered care.
What to Expect from Your PDT Session
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Before Your VisitArrive with clean skin, free of makeup and moisturizer. Avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure in the week prior to treatment.
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During TreatmentMost patients feel mild warmth or tingling during the BLU-U light activation phase. The sensation typically stops when the light session ends.
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Immediately AfterTreated skin will appear red and may feel tender — similar to a sunburn. This is an expected response indicating the treatment worked.
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Days 1–7Peeling, mild swelling, and crusting in treated areas is normal as damaged cells are shed. This is the skin healing and regenerating.
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4–6 Weeks Post-TreatmentYour provider will evaluate clearance, assess remaining lesions, and determine if an additional session is needed.
Post-Treatment Care Instructions
- Avoid all sun exposure and bright indoor lights for a minimum of 48 hours after treatment
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen when outdoors
- Cleanse gently with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser (such as Cetaphil)
- Apply a gentle moisturizer to reduce dryness and peeling — avoid anything with active ingredients
- Do not pick or peel flaking skin — allow it to shed naturally
- Avoid strenuous exercise or heat for 24–48 hours to limit additional skin sensitivity
- Contact our Fort Myers office immediately if you experience significant pain, blistering, or signs of infection
When PDT is performed to treat actinic keratoses, it is frequently covered — at least partially — by most major insurance plans. Coverage for cosmetic indications (acne, photorejuvenation) varies. Our team can help verify your benefits prior to scheduling.
Common PDT Questions
PDT with Levulan and BLU-U blue light is FDA-approved for actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions) on the face and scalp. It is also used off-label to address sun-damaged skin, certain superficial skin cancers, moderate-to-severe acne, and rosacea. Your OnSpot provider will determine the right indication for your case.
When used to treat actinic keratoses, PDT is often covered by insurance. Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis code. Contact your insurer or call our Fort Myers office and we can help verify your benefits before scheduling.
Plan for roughly 60–90 minutes in the office. The Levulan solution is applied and needs 45–60 minutes to absorb, followed by approximately 17 minutes of BLU-U light activation. Skin prep, consultation, and post-treatment instructions add additional time on each end.
Most patients experience redness, swelling, and peeling for 3–7 days. You must avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor lights for at least 48 hours after treatment, when the skin is most photosensitive. Most patients return to normal activities within a week, though complete healing may take 2–4 weeks.
Many patients with actinic keratoses achieve significant clearance after one to two sessions. The number of treatments depends on the extent of your sun damage and the condition being treated. For ongoing skin cancer prevention in high-risk patients, periodic repeat sessions may be recommended.
PDT is generally well-tolerated across skin types. However, patients with cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths of 400–450 nm, porphyria, or known sensitivity to porphyrins or Levulan components are not candidates. Your provider will review your full medical history during the consultation to confirm you're a good fit.
PDT can often be sequenced with other treatments, but timing and spacing matter to avoid compounding skin sensitivity. Your OnSpot provider will advise on the best sequence — for example, if you've been on topical Efudex, we'll determine the appropriate interval before starting PDT.
Ready to Treat Sun Damage Before It Becomes Skin Cancer?
Schedule your PDT consultation at OnSpot Dermatology's Fort Myers location. Our team will evaluate your skin, confirm you're a candidate, and walk you through every step of the process.
Book Your Consultation Prefer to call? (941) 444-0011