BLU-U® is a unique blue light treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs). In contrast to lasers, the BLU-U® delivers incoherent light dispersed over a larger area. BLU-U® treatment is very simple: you sit on a chair with your face inside a U-shaped light source with special goggles covering your eyes. BLU-U® treatment protocol is targeted to your individual needs.

Actinic Keratosis Treatment

BLU-U® light and Levulan® Kerastick® (aminolevulinic acid HCl) are also used for treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) of the face or scalp. AKs are sun spots, rough-textured, dry scaly patches on the skin caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Occurring most often on the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms, their color ranges from light brown to black. They vary in size with the largest AKs over one inch in diameter. AKs can progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

While most AKs remain benign, approximately 10% will eventually develop into SCC. If you have AKs and you unhappy with your current treatment results, ask our doctor if the BLU-U® is right for you.

What do AKs look and feel like?

Actinic Keratoses usually begin as rough skin spots and are easier felt than seen. Common complaints include a lesion that has increased in size, or a lesion that is raised, bleeding, poor in healing, discolored, or associated with discomfort such as pain or itching.

While a lesion may initially appear skin colored to pink, red, or brown, lesions on darker skin may be more pigmented. AKs may feel soft, rough, or “gritty,” but they feel different from the surrounding healthy skin.

Who gets AKs?

Most AKs occur in pale skin Caucasians living in sunny climates, with 80 % found on areas most exposed to the sun such as the head, neck, forearms and hands.

AKs develop as the result of years of sun exposure. Because the effects of sun exposure are cumulative, it is your lifetime exposure that increases your risk. Because AKs take a long time to develop, they usually appear after 40.

AK risk factors

  • History of cumulative sun exposure
  • Fair or pale skin
  • Blond or red hair, especially combined with blue, hazel or green eyes
  • Tendency to freckle or burn after sun exposure
  • Weakened immune system

Please visit the following organizations for more information on AKs:

  • SkinCancer.org
  • ShadeFoundation.org
  • WebMD.com – Actinic Keratosis
  • To see a video of the BLU-U® treatment visit: DusaPharma.com – Video