Although there's nothing about Levulan in the RSRP as yet, there is a lot
about it in the RS archives.

When aminolevulinic acid (Levulan) is applied to the skin and it is
activated by exposure to blue light or IPL, the treatment is called
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Basically, it's an acne treatment that might
help some of those suffering from pustular rosacea and/or rhinophyma, but is
probably not a good choice for the flushers.

To get an idea of whether or not it is likely to work for your symptoms,
I'll give you a little run through the archives, but please note that I've
never personally tried Levulan.

Bridget Jones, the English rose who graces us with her presence
occasionally, posted an interesting press release about PDT and rosacea a
couple of years ago:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/57116

The group had just started to get excited about PDT as a possible wonder
cure for fighting pustular rosacea, excessive oil production and rhinophyma
when we were informed that one clinic was > no longer offering this service
because "most clients did not have good results." <

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/60202

However, some RS members tried it anyway. A few reported successes, but
probably more were dissatisfied. Abe ("ab60472") said it had made his skin
"10x worse with constant red and papules" & "Levulan damaged my skin and it
has taken me a year and thousands of dollars to reverse it.  Please, don't
anyone go near this stuff.  It's comparable to glycolic acid on rosacea
skin, possibly worse, in my opinion. I have been in contact with another
member of this board who also had skin damage from it."

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/72508

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/76099

Karen ("karenkc101")  "The first set of IPL/Levulan wrecked my skin.  Stay
away from Levulan - it's evil!!  (at least for rosacea skin)."

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/76255

Sue ("cyberpaint04") was unsure of the initial results:  "It's quite a bit
more harsh than ipl alone. My treatment was levulan followed by blue light
then ipl, all the same session. I did not have a positive result from using
levulan (3x), unless some results show up months later... I have had
reduction in burning sensations, but don't know the exact cause, could have
been levulan, the ipl, or temporary reduction in hot flashes. Also you need
to be aware that levulan is NOT APPROVED for any use other than actinic
keratosis. Anything else is experimental, though many derms are using it, I
don't think definitive studies have been done or at least completed. Also,
acne and papules can get worse because of this treatment (hopefully
temporarily)."

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rosacea-support/message/67726

It would be helpful to hear back from anyone who has been treated with
Levulan, so we can know what you thought of it in the long run.

Kind regards,

Aurelia

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