puva
For hundreds of years skin conditions such as psoriasis have been treated by using a combination of psoralen and sunlight. Psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy for psoriasis was developed in the 1970s.
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PUVA is a two-part therapy consisting of psoralen followed by ultraviolet A light. Psoralen, which occurs naturally in some plant extracts is a medicine that makes the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet A light. There are many different psoralens available. |
Psoralen can be taken topically or orally, prior to ultraviolet A light treatment. It is usual for treatments to take place two or three times a week at a GP’s surgery or a skin clinic. As the psoriasis improves treatments can become less frequent. However patients undergoing PUVA therapy must be monitored as long term ultraviolet A light treatment is not advisable.
PUVA can be very effective with some patients experiencing, dependent upon the severity of the psoriasis, partial or complete clearing of their psoriasis without ongoing treatment.
PUVA therapy is often prescribed when psoriasis does not respond to other treatments. Sufferers of severe/widespread psoriasis have also benefitted from PUVA treatment.
Before undertaking any PUVA treatment you should discuss with your dermatologist or GP.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 17 January 2011
Next Review Date: 17 January 2013
