PUVA Therapy
PUVA or photochemotherapy is a type of ultraviolet radiation treatment used for severe skin diseases.
PUVA is a combination treatment which consists of Psoralens (P) and then exposing the skin to UVA (long wave ultraviolet radiation).
Psoralens are compounds found in many plants which make the skin temporarily sensitive to UVA. The ancient Egyptians were the first to use Psoralens for the treatment of skin diseases thousands of years ago. Medicine Psoralens include methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen), 5-methoxypsoralen and trisoralen.
A type of PhotoDynamic therapy used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin nodules of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Our patients receive Psoralen (a drug that becomes active when it is exposed to light) by mouth or applied to the skin, followed by ultraviolet A radiation. PUVA therapy may increase the risk of getting skin cancer. Also called Psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy.
PUVA is an acronym for Psoralen plus UVA light and is a special type of phototherapy that combines the use of the drug Oxsoralen-Ultra® with exposure of the skin to UVA (ultraviolet A) light. Oxsoralen-Ultra® capsules make the skin more sensitive to light.
