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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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