What to Expect
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You may look and feel like you have a sunburn over the next few days. Redness, peeling, swelling, and mild stinging or itching are normal signs that the precancerous cells have reacted to the therapy — this is what we want to see.
Your Protocol — Read This Carefully
Dr. Innes will have told you which protocol applies to you today. Follow only that protocol's light exposure and rinse-off instructions.
1
In-Office Light Treatment Only
No additional daylight required · Accumulate ~2 hrs of natural light · Then rinse
☀️ Sunlight — Helpful, Not Required
You do not need to intentionally sit outside today, but you do not need to hide in a dark room either. Natural light — through windows, in the car, or outdoors — helps activate the medication and can improve your results.
- Wear sunscreen whenever you are near windows, in the car, or outdoors — to prevent a conventional sunburn while the medication is still active
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When to Rinse
Once you have accumulated roughly 2 hours of total light exposure — through car windows, indoor windows, or being outside — rinse the medication completely off your skin. Reapply sunscreen immediately after.
2
In-Office Light + Daylight Boost
Intentional light exposure immediately after leaving the office · Then rinse
Dr. Innes has instructed you to get ambient visible light immediately after leaving our office to maximize precancer clearance. Apply sunscreen before going outside — it blocks burning UV rays while allowing therapeutic visible light to penetrate.
| Treatment Area | Target Light Exposure |
|---|
| Face & Chest | 2 hours |
| Scalp, Arms & Hands | 3 hours |
- You can sit in open shade, take a walk, run errands, or sit in your car with the AC or heat running
- You do not need direct sun — bright ambient shade works very well and is more comfortable
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When to Rinse
As soon as your 2–3 hours of daylight exposure is complete, thoroughly rinse the medication off your skin and immediately reapply sunscreen.
3
Primed Pre-Treatment + Light Therapy
You pre-treated with 5-FU or Klisyri · Enhanced precancer response · Expect more noticeable peeling
Because you pre-treated your skin with a topical agent (such as 5-FU or Klisyri) before today's appointment, your precancers are primed to respond to the light more effectively.
Follow the specific light and rinse-off steps under Protocol 1 or Protocol 2 as directed by Dr. Innes today. Expect a slightly faster or more noticeable peeling response over the coming week — a sign the treatment is working well.
Care for the Next 48 Hours
☀️ Sunscreen — Critical
Even after the medication is rinsed off, your skin remains significantly more susceptible to sunburn for 48 hours. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning and reapply every 2–3 hours if outdoors or near sunny windows.
🧴 Washing
Use your regular face wash or cleanser to rinse. Avoid scrubbing, washcloths, exfoliating acids, retinoids, or harsh acne treatments for 5–7 days after treatment.
Comfort & Swelling Relief
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Cold CompressIce pack wrapped in a soft cloth — 10–15 minutes at a time as needed
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Pain ReliefAcetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) as directed on the package
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Anti-Itch1% hydrocortisone cream or anti-itch lotion — up to 3 times daily for irritation or itching
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MoisturizerVaseline, Aquaphor, or a basic moisturizer to soothe tightness and peeling
📅 Follow-Up Visit
Unless Dr. Innes specifies otherwise, please schedule a follow-up visit in 6 months. Text 801-776-7129 when you're ready to schedule.
When to Contact Us
💬 Routine Questions & Scheduling
Text 801-776-7129 during business hours.
⚠ After-Hours Concerns
Text Dr. Innes directly at 801-414-8443.
🚨 Contact Us Immediately If You Experience:
- Severe, unmanageable pain
- Extensive blistering or open, weeping skin
- Signs of infection — spreading warmth, thick yellow pus, or red streaks
- Fever over 100.5°F or chills