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Short answer Starting aminolevulinic acid treatment: what to know Common questions Related questions Sources**Aminolevulinic acid is a topical photosensitizer used with light therapy to treat actinic keratoses and to help detect some tumors.**
It is applied by a clinician and activated with a special light that destroys abnormal cells. It treats actinic keratoses on the face, scalp, and upper arms and can highlight bladder tumors during fluorescence cystoscopy. Expect redness, stinging, and strong sensitivity to light after treatment. Avoid sun and bright indoor light until the treated area heals and tell your clinician about allergies or photosensitizing medicines.
Starting aminolevulinic acid treatment: what to know
Common questions
What is Aminolevulinic acid used for?
Aminolevulinic acid is used as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy and for fluorescence-guided diagnosis. In clinic a topical ALA product is applied to sun-damaged skin and later exposed to a specific light that activates protoporphyrin IX inside abnormal cells, selectively destroying actinic keratoses on the face, scalp, and upper arms. Oral or intravesical formulations help reveal bladder tumors during fluorescence cystoscopy. After treatment expect redness, burning, and marked light sensitivity; avoid sun exposure and report severe reactions or allergic signs to your clinician.