oral psoralen & ultraviolet (UV) A light (PUVA)

Introduction

Combination treatment of ingestion of psoralen followed by exposure of the skin to UV-A light. It is most commonly used in treatment of psoriasis, but is useful for treatment of various dermatoses.

Indications

• psoriasis
• polymorphous light eruption
• lichen planus
• mycosis fungoides
• urticaria pigmentosa
• vitiligo

Adverse effects

• minimal systemic adverse effects, well tolerated
• increased risk (> 12 times) of dermatologic malignancy (squamous cell carcinoma) with long-term use

More general terms

• pharmacologic combination
• photochemotherapy; radiochemotherapy

Additional terms

• lichen planus
• mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome
• polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)
• psoriasis
• urticaria pigmentosa (UP)
• vitiligo

Components

• psoralen
• UV-A radiation