psoralen + ultraviolet A

PUVA is a combination treatment that consists of psoralen (a light-sensitive drug) and ultraviolet A (UVA) light exposure. Psoralens are compounds found in many plants that make the skin temporarily sensitive to UVA light. When activated by UVA radiation, psoralens interact with DNA to slow down cell multiplication, which helps treat various skin conditions. The treatment can be administered in several ways: oral psoralen taken 1.5-2 hours before UVA exposure, bathwater PUVA where the patient soaks in a psoralen solution, or topical PUVA where psoralen is applied directly to the skin before UVA exposure. PUVA treatment is typically given 2-3 times per week for 12-15 weeks, with exposure times gradually increasing based on patient response.

Other names

PUVA therapypsoralen ultraviolet light A