PUVA

PUVA therapy is a type of phototherapy used to treat various skin disorders. The term "PUVA" stands for "psoralen" and "ultraviolet A (UVA)" radiation. Psoralen is a medication that makes the skin more sensitive to light, and UVA is a type of light that can penetrate deeper into the skin than other types of light.

Mechanism of action

PUVA therapy works by making the skin more sensitive to light, which can help to slow the growth of certain skin cells. This can be beneficial in treating conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. The psoralen medication is usually taken orally, but it can also be applied topically in some cases. After the medication has been administered, the skin is exposed to UVA light.

Uses

PUVA therapy is primarily used to treat psoriasis, a condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. It can also be used to treat eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become inflamed and itchy. In addition, PUVA therapy can be used to treat vitiligo, a condition that causes the skin to lose its color in patches.

Side effects

Like all treatments, PUVA therapy can have side effects. These can include nausea, itching, and burning of the skin. In rare cases, PUVA therapy can also increase the risk of skin cancer.

See also

• Phototherapy
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Vitiligo

PUVA Resources
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