804.549.4040

Blue Light Therapy

Blue light thereapy is a noninvasive phototherapy procedure used to treat conditions that reside on the skin or just under it. We are equipped with a Blue Light Therapy device at four of our convenient office locations.

DermVA - Blue Light Therapy

What is Blue Light Therapy?

Blue Light Therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy, is a noninvasive phototherapy procedure used to treat conditions that reside on the skin or just under it. It is an alternative treatment used for skin diseases such as actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), acne, and sunspots. When treating actinic keratoses, Blue Light Therapy is used in conjunction with the Levulan Kerastick, a photosensitizing agent that reacts with the light to destroy cancerous cells.

Blue Light Therapy is known to work as a proactive and preventative option for patients at high risk of skin cancer due to actinic keratoses. It can help reduce precancers and assists in photo-rejuvenation.

Non-invasive treatment of precancerous lesions

Treats acne

May require multiple treatment sessions

DermVA - Blue Light Therapy
DermVA - Acne Concerns

Will it treat my acne?

Blue Light Therapy has a phototoxic effect on acne-causing bacteria, meaning it causes a chemically induced skin irritation which, over time, removes acne from the skin. Blue Light Therapy has proven to work faster than other methods like medication or topical treatments.

DermVA - Acne Concerns
DermVA - Blue Light Post Treatment Circle

Post Treatment

After a treatment session, your skin may be red, swollen, and/or mildly bruised and blistered. This is normal and should resolve within 7 days. Your skin may also be slightly crusted over, this is also a regular occurrence and should resolve within 14 days. Your skin will be sensitive to sunlight for several weeks after the treatment is completed. To ensure success and to prevent skin infections post-op, you should avoid direct sunlight on the treated area.

DermVA - Blue Light Post Treatment Circle

Our Blue Light Therapy Physicians

 

LAWRENCE E. BLANCHARD, III, M.D.

LAWRENCE E. BLANCHARD, III, M.D.

GEORGIA K. SEELY, M.D.

GEORGIA K. SEELY, M.D.

KIM M. PANZARELLA, M.D.

KIM M. PANZARELLA, M.D.

SUZANNE G. SPADAFORA, M.D.

SUZANNE G. SPADAFORA, M.D.

CHRISTOPHER T. ALEMAN, M.D.

CHRISTOPHER T. ALEMAN, M.D.

LISA C. EDSALL, M.D. PH.D.

LISA C. EDSALL, M.D. PH.D.

ADAM A. MARTIN, M.D.

ADAM A. MARTIN, M.D.

ANGELA M. SPRIGLE, M.D.

ANGELA M. SPRIGLE, M.D.

RAJ AGARWAL, M.D.

RAJ AGARWAL, M.D.

ALYSON V. RIDPATH, D.O.

ALYSON V. RIDPATH, D.O.

GABRIELLA J. MELSON, M.D.

GABRIELLA J. MELSON, M.D.

Our Blue Light Therapy Advanced Practice Providers

JENNIFER D. BAUER, MPA, PA-C

JENNIFER D. BAUER, MPA, PA-C

RATHI BLANKENSHIP, MPA, PA-C

RATHI BLANKENSHIP, MPA, PA-C

KRISTEN A. ALBRIGHT, PA-C

KRISTEN A. ALBRIGHT, PA-C

MICHELE R. RHOE, MPA, PA-C

MICHELE R. RHOE, MPA, PA-C

SHELLEY B. WOODLEY, DNP, FNP-BC

SHELLEY B. WOODLEY, DNP, FNP-BC

SUZANNE N. WEST, MSN, FNP-BC

SUZANNE N. WEST, MSN, FNP-BC

BROOKE E. HARMON, MPA, PA-C

BROOKE E. HARMON, MPA, PA-C

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is blue light therapy?

Blue Light Therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy, is a noninvasive phototherapy procedure used to treat conditions that reside on the skin or just under it. It is an alternative treatment used for skin diseases such as actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), acne, acne scars, and sunspots.

How does blue light therapy work for acne?

Blue Light Therapy has a phototoxic effect on acne-causing bacteria, meaning it causes a chemically induced skin irritation which, over time, removes acne from the skin.

How long does a typical blue light therapy session last?

1 to 3 hours depending on provider treatment orders.

How many sessions are usually required for noticeable results?

The amount of sessions depends on your skin type and skin conditions.

Is blue light therapy painful?

Yes, it can be uncomfortable for the first 5 to 10 mins of treatment when treating precancerous lesions (.actinic keratoses).

Are there any side effects associated with blue light therapy?

When combined with Levulan for actinic keratosis treatment, Blue light treatment may cause discomfort, burning, swelling, redness, and possible skin peeling, especially in sun-damaged areas. It can also lead to changes in skin tone, spots, and potential hair removal. Peeling may last for days, and redness may persist for weeks in case of an intense treatment response, similar to severe sunburn.

Can blue light therapy be combined with other acne treatments?

It is possible, but it depends on your skin conditions.

Is blue light therapy only for acne, or are there other uses?

Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), acne, acne scars, and sunspots.

Is blue light therapy suitable for all skin types?

Yes!

How can I determine if blue light therapy is right for me?

By meeting with one of our providers, we can help you to determine if blue light therapy is right for you.

Which providers at Dermatology Associates of Virginia can provide this service?

All of our providers here at DAV can order this treatment for patients.

Lawrence E. Blanchard, III, M.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: Duke University, Durham, North Carolina | B.A. English, 1972
  • Medical School: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri | M.D., 1976
  • Internship: The Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, 1976-1977
  • Residency: Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, 1977-1980

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Special Interests:

Dr. Blanchard has served as President of the Richmond Academy of Medicine, The Medical Society of Virginia, and the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Midlothian Office

This will close in 0 seconds

Georgia K. Seely, M.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina | 1985, B.S. Biology
  • Medical School: East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina | 1989, M.D.
  • Residency: North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Internal Medicine, 1989-1992
  • Residency: Medical College of Virginia, Department of Dermatology, Richmond, Virginia, 1992-1995

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Internal Medicine
  • American Board of Dermatology

Special Interests:

Dr. Seely teaches medical students at the Medical College of Virginia, Department of Dermatology. She has an interest in Internal Medicine, as well as general Dermatology.

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Nuckols Road Office

Awards:

  • Top Doc Award 2023 - Richmond Magazine
  • Top Doc Award 2022 - Richmond Magazine
  • Top Doc Award 2020 - Richmond Magazine

This will close in 0 seconds

Kim M. Panzarella, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Kim M. Panzarella, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. | B.A., 1988
  • Medical School: Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY | M.D., 1993
  • Internship: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, 1993-1994
  • Residency: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, 1994-1997

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Special Interests:

Skin cancer, general dermatology. Sees all ages, infants through elderly.

Location(s):

  • Colonial Heights Office
  • Hanover Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    The opportunity to see patients of all ages.
  • What are your hobbies?
    I enjoy calm water kayaking and biking with my husband and kids.
  • Do you have any pets?
    I have 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 rabbits, and a bearded dragon. The dogs and cats are all rescue animals from shelters.
  • Where did you grow up?
    In Allegany, New York, a small town 90 minutes from Buffalo.
  • Where have you lived before moving to Richmond?
    Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Brighton, England; New York City; Cleveland, OH; Austin, TX, and San Antonio, TX. I settled in Richmond in 2003.
  • What are your favorite things about the Richmond area?
    The James River and the Capital Bike Trail.

This will close in 0 seconds

Suzanne G. Spadafora, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Suzanne G. Spadafora, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. | B.S. Biology, 1995
  • Medical School: Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. | M.D., 1999
  • Internship: St. Vincent’s Medical Center, New York, NY, 1999-2000
  • Residency: University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, 2000-2003

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Special Interests:

General Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Nuckols Road Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    Monday mornings are never bad because I work alongside a great, caring staff and have wonderful patients!
  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    Space physician like Dr. Bones and Dr. Crusher on Star Trek.
  • What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
    Scuba diving with sharks in the Bahamas.
  • What is the last book you read?
    Die With Zero
  • What’s your favorite movie?
    Aliens
  • What do you do to keep fit?
    Play tennis, cycle, and strength training with Body Pump
  • What was your first job?
    Cashier at Weis Market grocery store

This will close in 0 seconds

Christopher T. Aleman, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Christopher T. Aleman, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia | B.S., 1989
  • Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | M.D., 1995
  • Internship: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 1995-1996
  • Residency: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 1996-1999
  • Graduate: KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands | MSc International Health, 2017

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

Interests:

In his spare time, Dr. Aleman enjoys being outdoors fishing, hiking, and whitewater kayaking on the James River. He also enjoys international travel and is active in medical volunteer projects around Richmond and abroad.

This will close in 0 seconds

Lisa C. Edsall, M.D. Ph.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia | B.A. Chemistry, 1991
  • Graduate: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. | Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1999
  • Medical School: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia | M.D., 2004
  • Internship: Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 2004-2005
  • Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 2005-2008
  • Fellowship: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2009-2010

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology
  • American Board of Dermatopathology

Special Interests:

Besides her medical practice, Dr. Edsall provides dermatopathology services for the practice. Dr. Edsall is also an associate professor at the Medical College of Virginia, Department of Dermatology.

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

This will close in 0 seconds

Adam A. Martin, M.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia | BSBA, Finance, 2003
  • Undergraduate: University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee | Post-baccalaureate Science, 2004-2006
  • Medical School: University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VIRGINIA | M.D., 2010
  • Internship: University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2010-2011
  • Residency: University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2011-2014

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

Awards:

  • Top Doc Award 2023 - Richmond Magazine

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    Great patients and working a team dedicated to providing exceptional care.
  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    Firefighter and Dinosaur Bone Collector
  • What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
    NFL Football & College Basketball
  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    Subway
  • What’s your favorite holiday?
    Halloween, though Christmas is a close second

This will close in 0 seconds

Angela M. Sprigle, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Angela M. Sprigle, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | B.S. Biological Sciences, Minor in Chemistry, 2006
  • Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania | M.D., 2010
  • Internship: Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Upland, Pennsylvania, 2010-2011
  • Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 2011-2014

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    Balance – having a career that I love but also being able to have time for my family. This is somewhat rare in medicine.
  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    Always a doctor. My mother is a registered nurse, and I think that sparked my interest in medicine.
  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    Ice cream (if that is even a meal)
  • What was the last thing you recorded on TV?
    Probably Grey’s Anatomy when I was in medical school. We don’t even have cable now. With a young child there is no time for TV!
  • What was the first concert you attended?
    8th grade – Backstreet Boys

This will close in 0 seconds

Raj Agarwal, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Raj Agarwal, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia | B.A. Economics, Minor in Biology
  • Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Internship: Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, Virginia
  • Residency: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, Virginia

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Midlothian Office

This will close in 0 seconds

Alyson V. Ridpath, D.O.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Alyson V. Ridpath, D.O.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA | B.S. in Biology, 2011
  • Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, 2015
  • Internship: Broward Health Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2016
  • Fellowship: Skin & Cancer Associates, Harold Rabinovitz MD, Plantation, FL, 2017
  • Residency: OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital , Columbus, OH, 2019

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Hanover Office

Q&A:

  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    An astronomer or a marine biologist working with dolphins.
  • What was your first job?
    Slow pitch softball umpire for young girls league.
  • Do you collect anything?
    Christmas ornaments!
  • What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever eaten?
    Rattlesnake pierogies
  • What’s your favorite movie?
    Pink Panther with Steve Martin!

This will close in 0 seconds

Gabriella J. Melson, M.D.

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Gabriella J. Melson, M.D.

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Duke University, Durham, N.C. | B.S. Cellular and Molecular Biology, 2012
  • Medical School: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA | Doctor of Medicine, 2016
  • Internship: University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, 2016-2017
  • Residency: University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA, 2017-2020
  • Fellowship: Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA | Dermatopathology Fellowship, 2020-2022

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology

Location(s):

  • Nuckols Office
  • Hanover Office

This will close in 0 seconds

Jennifer D. Bauer, MPA, PA-C

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia | B.A. East Asian Studies and Chinese Language, 2000
  • Graduate: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia | Master of Physician Assistant Studies, 2006

Board Certification:

  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    Getting to know my patients
  • What are your hobbies?
    Eating and traveling
  • What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
    Bungee jumping in New Zealand
  • What was the last thing you recorded on TV?
    Game of Thrones
  • If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join?
    Aerosmith
  • How many languages do you speak?
    3 – Mandarin, Cantonese, English

This will close in 0 seconds

Rathi Blankenship, MPA, PA-C

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Rathi Blankenship, MPA, PA-C

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA | B.S. Human Nutrition, Foods and Excercise, 2005
  • Graduate: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA | Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, 2007

Board Certification:

  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Special Interests:

Lead Representative of the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Association of Physician Assistants

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Hanover Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    I love meeting people and building friendships with patients and their families. My days are enriched by all the amazing things patients teach me, all while practicing my love for dermatology.
  • Aside from necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without?
    My pampered chef food chopper! I love cooking and that thing is the bomb. It is rare that I make anything without it.
  • Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
    Definitely ride a bike! You can enjoy the scenery, go off the beaten path and get fit at the same time!
  • What are your hobbies?
    I love traveling and seeing the world from different perspectives and through different eyes. Not to mention I love eating and trying new foods!
  • What do you do to keep fit?
    Yoga, yoga, and more yoga! I love that you can practice yoga anywhere. I also love that it fosters inner peace, love and strength! I’m always happy when I’m on my mat.

This will close in 0 seconds

Kristen A. Albright, PA-C

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Kristen A. Albright, PA-C

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Radford University, Radford, VA | B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, 2003
  • Undergraduate: Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Roanoke, VA | B.S. Physician Assistant Studies, 2006

Board Certification:

  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Location(s):

  • Midlothian Office
  • Colonial Heights Office

This will close in 0 seconds

Michele R. Rhoe, MPA, PA-C

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Michele R. Rhoe, MPA, PA-C

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA | Bachelor of Science in Health Science; Minor in Neuroscience, 2011
  • Graduate: Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA | Master of Physician Assistant Science, 2012

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office
  • Nuckols Road Office

Q&A:

  • What two radio stations do you listen to in the car the most?
    I listen to finance podcasts and the Vance Joy Station on Amazon Music or Pandora.
  • What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
    College football is my favorite sport to watch. Golf is my favorite to play.
  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    Sushi
  • Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
    Coffee!

This will close in 0 seconds

Shelley B. Woodley, DNP, FNP-BC

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Shelley B. Woodley, DNP, FNP-BC

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA | BSN, 2001
  • Graduate: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA | MS, 2004
  • Graduate: Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA | DNP, 2013

Location(s):

  • Mohs Surgery Center
  • Midlothian Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    I enjoy providing thorough, patient centered care. I like to individualize treatment plans which involves getting to know the patient and partnering with them. I think this statement sums up my career: if you love what you do then you will never work a day in your life!
  • What did you want to be when you were small?
    A teacher
  • Do you collect anything?
    Christmas ornaments from places we visit when traveling
  • What radio station do you listen to the most in the car?
    Most often, I listen to country music. Since I drive pretty far to work, I listen to many podcasts and audiobooks too!

This will close in 0 seconds

Suzanne N. West, MSN, FNP-BC

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Suzanne N. West, MSN, FNP-BC

Education:

  • Undergraduate: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA | BSN, 2014
  • Graduate: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA | MS, 2017

Location(s):

  • Colonial Heights Office
  • Reynolds Crossing Office

This will close in 0 seconds

Brooke E. Harmon, MPA, PA-C

Demo Description


Dermatology Associates of Virginia - Brooke E. Harmon, MPA, PA-C

Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA | Bachelor of Science, 2019
  • Graduate: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA | Master of Physician Assistant Studies, 2023

Location(s):

  • Reynolds Crossing Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
    I love to watch and play tennis. I also get very into college basketball during March Madness. Go Hoos!
  • If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    Sushi
  • What is your favorite childhood memory?
    Going to Topsail Island, NC with my family every summer
  • What’s your favorite movie?
    Mamma Mia!

This will close in 0 seconds

Inbal Sander, M.D.

Demo Description


Education:

  • Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | B.A. Biochemistry, 2003
  • Student Fellowship: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, 2008
  • Medical School: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | M.D., 2009
  • Internship: Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2009-2010
  • Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2010-2013
  • Fellowship: Dermatopathology, Johns Hopkins  Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland,  2014-2015

Board Certification:

  • American Board of Dermatology
  • American Board of Dermatopathology

Special Interests:

Besides her medical practice, Dr. Sander provides dermatopathology services for the practice.

Locations:

  • Midlothian Office
  • Reynolds Office

Q&A:

  • What is your favorite thing about your career?
    It's a true joy to get to know my patients and build long term relationships with them.  I think that is the part I love most, but I also love the opportunity to keep learning about the latest in dermatology science and therapy.
  • What are your hobbies?
    I love a good puzzle!  1000 pieces or more.  This keeps my formal dining room table in use.  My husband and I also like to travel when we can convince our parents to come and watch our three young daughters.
  • What's the  most daring thing you've ever done?
    I acted and danced in SPOOF (my medical school's annual comedy show).  That was pretty daring for me, but a lot of fun.
  • How many languages do you speak?
    Two.  English and Spanish.  My family is from Argentina so I grew up speaking Spanish at home and, although my American accent is strong, I love speaking Spanish with patients.

This will close in 0 seconds