What is photodynamic aka "blue light" therapy like?
Have you used photodynamic or blue light therapy? What advice would you share?
I had it on my face. 2 treatments about 2 weeks apart. It's quite intense and the last 45 seconds - 1 minute under the light are painful and scary. It may have slowed down my need for surgeries, but I'm still fighting it.
Thank you for sharing your experience with our community. It helps others understand more about the treatments options available to them. Scott skincancer.net moderator
I am so sorry you have had to deal with the pain of PDT. It sounds like you did get some benefits from it; I am glad you were able to get something positive from the experience. I applaud you for being able to power through the pain--skin cancer treatments aren't for everyone.
I hope you are continuing to do well and you're getting the all-clear at your check-ups!
All my best,
April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator
I’m also very interested in PDT; as much as I’ve treated myself with fluorouracil over the past few years, I know I won’t be able self-treat my back. And as an Australian kid growing up in the 60s and 70s, I hate to think how much more sun my back has had than probably anywhere else, and how much damage has been done. Other short-treatment period topicals might be an option if I can secure someone reliable to assist. 
@Steve C, I thought you may be interested in reading more on PDT here https://skincancer.net/treatment/procedures-surgery/photodynamic-therapy. Please let us know if you have any questions we can help answer. All my best, Julie (team member)
I've had blue light once. NO ONE prepped me for how painful it would be. I don't know how I was able to withstand the final 15 seconds. Worst yet, it didn't take. I have very fair, freckled skin. All I got out of it was some yellowish bruising and some scabbing, puffiness of the skin mostly eyes and lips but generally all over the face. I forget how many weeks it took to get back to normal. Friends of mine were told by their dermatologist that it might take 2 sessions and indeed, they got 2. I could never take the pain of two.I wouldn't recommend this treatment to anyone unless you're into pain and like to gamble on efficacy. I've found Effudex with or without D to be more effective. I take Nicotinimide once a day which seems to reduce the frequency of occurrence. I have had more lesions cut, burned, frozen, scraped, chemo-creamed or blue lighted than I can count. This is me forever..
I'm so sorry to hear how painful your experience with blue light therapy was! It's terrible having to go through something that's not only painful but also doesn't produce the results we want or expect. What was your experience with Efudex like? I know many of our community members struggle with topical chemotherapy as treatment, so I'm curious what your personal experience was like, if you don't mind sharing. All the best, Alexa (SkinCancer.net moderator)
I am an older person I am 79 now I had the blue light first time it was successful for about 12 yrs second time about 3 ys last year I had it 2 times not good. Today I started Fluorouracil treatment for 2 wks, on face, ears, and skelp. My doctor showed me pictures I am very concerned. I would take blue light over this chemical peel any time but it does not work anymore we will see. Take care everyone.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm so sorry to hear about the pain you've had from both blue light and Fluorouracil. As you can see from some of the other comments, you're not alone. I hope you are able to get through the rest of your treatment with ease and good end results. Please keep us posted on how you're doing! All the best, Alexa (SkinCancer.net moderator)
