Home Care Instructions for PDT.
Prior to your visit:
•Notify our office if you have any history of recurrent cold sores or take any medications that make you more sensitive to the sun. If you have a history of cold sores (Herpes simplex virus), we will prescribe you prophylactic Valtex to begin the morning of your treatment.
• Bring a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses to help block the sun on your trip home following your treatment.
• Have white vinegar for soaks post-treatment, sunscreen with an SPF of 65 or higher, analgesics such as Advil or Tylenol, over the counter 1% hydrocortisone ointment, and a good facial moisturizer.
Day of treatment:
• Remain indoors if possible and avoid direct sunlight.
• Apply Vaseline ointment at night. Your skin will feel dry, so keep it moisturized.
Day 2 - 7:
• You may take a shower. Men should probably not shave if their face was treated. You may apply moisturizers and/or cosmetics.
• The skin will feel dry and tightened. A good moisturizer should be used daily.
• Continue to apply Vaseline ointment at night.
• You may take analgesics (Advil or Tylenol). Any discomfort usually subsides by Day 3.
• You should avoid sunlight and try to remain indoors on day 2. The photosensitivity to sunlight is usually gone 24 hours after treatment, but may last as long as 40 hours.
• You should soak the treated areas with a solution of 1 tsp. white vinegar in 1 cup of cold water for 20 minutes every 4-6 hours. Ice may be applied directly over the vinegar soaks. The area should be patted dry and Hydrocortisone 1% ointment reapplied following the vinegar soaks.
• Some patients may start peeling on day 4. Please avoid peeling any loose skin, let it come off naturally. The area may remain slightly red for a few weeks.
• Try to avoid direct sunlight for one week. No beaches! After day 7 use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 for four months. Total Block SPF 65 is especially effective to protect your newly rejuvenated skin.
If you have any problems, please call our office at (847) 882-9300.
