OXSORALEN Meaning and
Definition
-
Oxsoralen is a medication primarily used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo, two chronic skin disorders. It contains the active ingredient methoxsalen, which belongs to a group of drugs called psoralens. Oxsoralen is available in various forms, including oral capsules and topical lotion.
Methoxsalen works by increasing the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light, specifically UVA radiation. When exposed to UVA light, methoxsalen interacts with the DNA of skin cells, reducing the excessive growth and development of these cells that are characteristic of psoriasis. By doing so, it helps alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, such as redness, scaling, and inflammation.
In the case of vitiligo, Oxsoralen helps repigment the white patches of skin caused by the loss of melanin. The medication is typically used in combination with exposure to UVA light in a specialized treatment technique known as psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy.
Oxsoralen is generally administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional and requires careful monitoring due to its potential side effects, including nausea, headache, dizziness, skin sensitivity, and increased risk of sunburn. Close monitoring of the patient's response to treatment is necessary to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of therapy.
Overall, Oxsoralen provides an effective treatment option for psoriasis and vitiligo, helping to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by these skin conditions.
Common Misspellings for OXSORALEN
- ixsoralen
- kxsoralen
- lxsoralen
- pxsoralen
- 0xsoralen
- 9xsoralen
- ozsoralen
- ocsoralen
- odsoralen
- ossoralen
- oxaoralen
- oxzoralen
- oxxoralen
- oxdoralen
- oxeoralen
- oxworalen
- oxsiralen
- oxskralen
- oxslralen
- oxspralen
Etymology of OXSORALEN
The word "Oxsoralen" is a trade name for the chemical compound known as methoxsalen. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Methoxsalen:
- The prefix "meth-" indicates the presence of a methyl group (CH3).
- The stem "oxsalen" refers to the compound's chemical structure, which consists of an oxazole ring fused with a furan ring.
2. Oxsoralen:
- The brand name "Oxsoralen" was created by combining the words "oxsalen" and "oral".
- The term "oral" indicates that this medication is usually taken by mouth (orally) as a pill or tablet.
Overall, the word "Oxsoralen" is a combination of the compound's chemical name and a descriptor related to its administration method.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
