Redwood Family Dermatology

Quality and Personal Healthcare

BLU-U Light Photodynamic Therapy

BLU-U Light Photodynamic Therapy Overview

Clearer, healthier skin starts here with BLU-U® light therapy

A safe, effective treatment for Actinic Keratoses — and a boost for your skin’s appearance

Redwood Family Dermatology is committed to offering the most advanced, evidence-based treatments for your skin health. One of the most innovative therapies we provide is BLU-U® light photodynamic therapy, a non-invasive, FDA-approved solution for moderate actinic keratoses (AKs) — precancerous skin lesions commonly caused by sun damage.

How Levulan BLU-U photodynamic therapy works

BLU-U® therapy combines a topical solution called Levulan Kerastick® with a specialized blue light to precisely target and eliminate damaged skin cells. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Preparation
    Levulan, a light-sensitive prescription medication, is applied directly to the affected areas—typically the face, scalp or arms.
  2. Activation
    After a short incubation period, the treated area is exposed to BLU-U® light.
  3. Cellular reaction
    The light activates the Levulan, initiating a reaction that selectively destroys precancerous cells while preserving the healthy surrounding skin.

Proven benefits of BLU-U® therapy

  • Effectively treats actinic keratoses and helps prevent progression to skin cancer.
  • Minimally invasive and non-surgical.
  • Targets only damaged cells, preserving healthy tissue.
  • No scarring or white spots, unlike other treatments.
  • Improves overall skin texture and appearance, with many patients reporting cosmetic enhancement after treatment.

This makes BLU-U® therapy especially appealing for facial treatments, where visible results matter most.

Is this treatment right for you?

If you’ve noticed rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas — particularly your face, scalp, or arms — BLU-U® therapy could be the right choice to treat these precancerous spots early and effectively. Our board-certified dermatologists will assess your skin and recommend the best course of action.

Start your journey to healthier skin

Our experienced, compassionate team at Redwood Family Dermatology is here to help you take control of your skin health.

Redwood Family Dermatology offers BLU-U therapy at our Santa Rosa Mendocino Avenue and Ukiah locations.

Call us today at 707-545-4537 to learn more or schedule your BLU-U® light therapy consultation.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

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REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT by filling in our online form and we will contact you to confirm your appointment request. All requests made during non-business hours will be responded to as early as possible the next business day. Your questions and comments will be responded to in a timely fashion.

Contact us
Phone/Text: (707) 545-4537
Fax: (707) 545-6726
Email: info@redwoodfamilyderm.com

Visit us
2725 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Get directions with Google Maps!

Hours
Mon. – Fri. 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM by appointment
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
Contact us to request an appointment

Contact us
Phone: (707) 527-0342
Fax: (707) 527-0818
Email: info@redwoodfamilyderm.com

Visit us
4727 Hoen Ave, Ste A
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Get directions with Google Maps!

Hours
Mon. – Fri. 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM by appointment
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
Contact us to request an appointment

Healdsburg: Laser & Cosmetics

Contact us
Phone/Text: 707-633-9355
Fax:  707-545-6726
Email: info@redwoodfamilyderm.com

Visit us 
409 East Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Get directions with Google Maps!

Hours
Tues-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays varied. Closed Mondays
Contact us to request an appointment

Contact us
Phone/Text: (707) 462-3996
Fax: (707) 462-3363
Email: info@redwoodfamilyderm.com

Visit us
555 South Dora Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
Get directions with Google Maps!

Hours
Mon. – Fri. 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM by appointment
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
Contact us to request an appointment

If you are concerned about a lesion or mole being skin cancer, then inquire about our one lesion only, skin cancer screening clinics. Days and times may vary so please call or text our Santa Rosa Mendocino Ave or Ukiah clinics for more information.

Electronic health records
Log in to the Redwood Family Dermatology Patient portal.

To request access, contact the Redwood Family Dermatology office and we will send you access via email.

Patients may text us at 707-545-4537 (Santa Rosa Mendocino Ave. office) or 707-462-3996 (Ukiah office) about non-urgent items such as: scheduling appointments, prescriptions and general questions or requests.

(Sorry, but texting is not currently available for Dr. Schwartz’ office on Hoen Ave.)

Our phone/texting hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. We will promptly respond to your messages during these working hours.

Got Billing Questions? Please complete our online form and we will contact you to assist you with your billing questions.  All questions made during non-business hours will be responded to as early as possible the next business day via phone number you provide.

  • Aetna (Direct)
  • Anthem Blue Cross of California and Prudent Buyer Network
  • Beech Street Corporation
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Humana / Choice Care Network
  • California Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC)
  • CIGNA / Great West Healthcare
  • Coventry / First Health Network
  • Delta Health — Amy’s Kitchen
  • HealthNet
  • Healthsmart
  • Medicare
  • Meritage Medical Network
  • MultiPlan/PHCS, Inc.
  • Partnership Health Plan (referral required)
  • Provider Network of America (PNOA)
  • Railroad Medicare
  • St. Joseph’s
  • Sutter – For under 14 years old*
  • TRICARE
  • UHC AARP Medicare Complete through Meritage
  • United Healthcare
  • Western Health Advantage**

Subject to change. Verify coverage with your provider or your insurance plan.
*Dr. Sugarman only
**PCP dependent

Subject to change. Verify coverage with your provider or your insurance plan.

 

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