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What is PUVA Therapy?

Emma Lloyd
Emma Lloyd

Psoralen and Ultraviolet Light A therapy, or PUVA therapy, is prescribed by a dermatologist for the treatment of chronic skin conditions. This therapy uses a combination of plant-derived chemicals and UVA light to treat disorders such as psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema. PUVA therapy is also called photochemotherapy or phototherapy.

Several plants, including cloves, figs, parsley, celery, lemon and lime, contain chemicals called psoralens. These chemicals, when ingested orally or applied to the skin, have the effect of increasing the sensitivity of skin to ultraviolet light. Psoralen tablets are ingested several hours before UVA light treatment. Psoralen topical preparations are applied shortly before the treatment. UVA light treatment begins once enough time has passed to ensure that skin cells have been exposed to and have ingested the psoralen.

PUVA therapy can be used to treat skin conditions like vitiligo.
PUVA therapy can be used to treat skin conditions like vitiligo.

The combination of psoralen and UVA light that is utilized in PUVA therapy causes skin cells to divide less rapidly. This is an effective treatment for skin disorders such as psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema because part of the pathogenic process of these disorders is an increase in the rate of cell division. By reducing the rate of cell division, symptoms of skin disorders are eased, and progression can be slowed down.

PUVA therapy may be used to treat psoriasis.
PUVA therapy may be used to treat psoriasis.

During PUVA therapy a patient can be exposed to ultraviolet light in one of two ways, depending on the type of skin condition he or she has. If the skin condition affects the hands and feet only, the patient is treated with a topical psoralen cream that is applied to those specific areas. The patient then sits in a chair and places his or her hands and feet in small UVA light boxes. If the skin condition affects other parts of the body, the patient is given oral psoralens and is treated with UVA light by sitting inside a large light box that allows full-body exposure.

PUVA therapy may be used to treat eczema.
PUVA therapy may be used to treat eczema.

PUVA therapy can cause side effects, most of which affect the skin. Within one to two days following a treatment, the skin will take on a slightly pink or reddish tone. After several treatments, the skin might tan or darken. Sometimes the skin can become burned; this generally occurs if the skin has received too high of a dose of UVA light. Burned skin is deeply pink or red, painful and can blister. The eyes and other sensitive parts of the body, including the groin and armpits, must be shielded from the UVA light to prevent serious burns.

A prescription for PUVA therapy can be obtained from a dermatologist.
A prescription for PUVA therapy can be obtained from a dermatologist.

The use of psoralens also can cause side effects that might include dry skin, itchy skin, dizziness, headaches and nausea. People who undergo this type of therapy should avoid additional sun exposure, particularly on days when they have treatment scheduled. Long-term use of this therapy can cause premature skin aging, including wrinkling and pigmentation spots. In addition, the risk of skin cancers and benign skin growths is increased. Awareness of this risk considerably reduces the possibility of life-threatening disease, because skin cancers can be treated effectively when diagnosed early.

Discussion Comments

anon263540

I started the PUVA hand and feet therapy for a form of psoriasis. I now have a very red tender spot about the size of a quarter on one of my fingers. I will have to mention it to the light therapy person and hopefully cut back some on the time in the box. It got worse this last time I had therapy.

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    • PUVA therapy can be used to treat skin conditions like vitiligo.
      By: Axel Bueckert
      PUVA therapy can be used to treat skin conditions like vitiligo.
    • PUVA therapy may be used to treat psoriasis.
      By: Farina3000
      PUVA therapy may be used to treat psoriasis.
    • PUVA therapy may be used to treat eczema.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      PUVA therapy may be used to treat eczema.
    • A prescription for PUVA therapy can be obtained from a dermatologist.
      By: michaeljung
      A prescription for PUVA therapy can be obtained from a dermatologist.
    • People who undergo PUVA therapy should avoid additional exposure to the sun.
      By: azazello
      People who undergo PUVA therapy should avoid additional exposure to the sun.
    • Psoriasis typically appears as scaly, reddish colored patches of skin.
      By: paulandlara
      Psoriasis typically appears as scaly, reddish colored patches of skin.
    • Psoralen may cause non-skin-related side effects such as headaches and dizziness.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Psoralen may cause non-skin-related side effects such as headaches and dizziness.